Starfish are also known as sea stars. They have delighted the imagination of humans for centuries with their unique formations and charming behaviors.
Starfish are found in oceans across the world. These fascinating marine animals boast a range of surprising facts. These set them apart from other marine life. This article looks at seven surprising facts about starfish. It will shed light on their extraordinary characteristics and behaviors.
Here are some fun facts about starfish that will surprise you, compiled from numerous sources, Tuesday (08/08/2023).
1. They Have No Brain And No Blood
Despite their beautiful complexity, starfish go without a brain, no nervous system, or even blood. Instead, they have a decentralized nervous system. It circulates throughout the body, consisting of nerve cells. It allows them to react to their conditions and make decisions without central control. This design contributes to their unique regenerative abilities. They can regrow lost limbs or a whole body from a single cut-off arm.
2. They Eat Inside Out
One of the weirdest aspects of starfish feeding is their method of eating prey quickly. They have a unique stomach structure called a "cardiac stomach." It can be turned outside of their body.
When a starfish finds its prey, it covers its arms around it. Then starfish pushes its stomach out through its mouth. They enclose the prey and start the eating process externally.
Once the food is partly digested, the starfish get its stomach back into its body to finish digestion.
Surprising Facts About Starfish
3. Not All Starfish Are Star-Shaped
The five-armed star-shaped variety is the most visible. But not all starfish serve this typical image. Some species have more arms. They reach up to 40 or more, while others have rare arms, with some having only three or four. Also, certain species show non-star-like shapes. They reach irregular blobs or long snake-like forms.
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4. Starfish Move With Hundreds Of Feet
In contrast to their seemingly unmoving appearance, starfish can move across the ocean floor using tiny tube feet. These tube feet number in the hundreds. These are supplied with sticky suction cups.
These tube feet allow them to grip and move the starfish forward. They move slowly and use a unique hydraulic system.
These control the flow of seawater that enables their movement.
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5. No Sex And The Kids Eat Each Other
Starfish have different sexes and reproduce externally. Males release their sperm into the water. Also, females release their eggs into the water. They do produce during breeding events, where fertilization happens.
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Once the eggs hatch into the larval stage, the young starfish, called "bipinnaria larvae." These larvae are planktonic and drift with the ocean flow. But it's not all a fairy tale for these tiny starfish.
During their larval stage, they face intense competition for survival. Some of them end up being eaten by other marine organisms. shahrukh-khan-unsplash
6. Starfish Can Live Up To 35 Years
While starfish may seem like light animals, some species have surprisingly long lifespans. Starfish can live for up to 35 years, depending on the species and conditions. Their power to regenerate lost limbs and withstand challenging oceanic conditions. These contribute to their long lifespans.
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7. Starfish are NOT Fish
Even by their name, starfish are not fish. They belong to the "Phylum Echinodermata." It is a group of marine animals that includes sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and sand dollars. Starfish are more closely related to sea cucumbers than to fish. The term "sea star" has gained popularity in recent years. They accurately represent their classification.
Starfish with their charming characteristics and exciting behaviors. They continue to amaze scientists and delight marine fans worldwide. These lovely animals are known for their regenerative abilities, unique feeding mechanisms, and diverse shapes and sizes. As we uncover more about these fascinating marine residents, our understanding of the complexities of marine life grows. They remind us of the wonders that await discovery under the surface of our oceans. aleksandra-khoroshykh-unsplash
Discover 7 Surprising Facts About Starfish
This article written by
Editor Kurnia Azizah
Reporter
Starfish are found in oceans across the world. These are fascinating marine animals.
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