Starfish, often known as sea stars, are echinoderms with a star-shaped body that belong to the Asteroidea class. These names are frequently used to ophiuroids, which are accurately referred to as brittle stars or basket stars in common usage. Because they belong to the Asteroidea class, starfish are sometimes known as asteroids. Starfish can be found on the seafloor in all of the world’s oceans, from the tropics to the icy depths of the polar regions. They can be found from the intertidal zone to 6,000 meters (20,000 feet) below the surface.
Starfish are invertebrates that live in the sea. They normally have a center disc and five arms, though some species have more. The aboral or upper surface is covered with overlapping plates and can be smooth, granular, or spiny. Many species are brilliantly colored, ranging from red to orange, while others are blue, grey, or brown in color. A hydraulic system powers the tube feet of starfish, which have a mouth in the center of the oral or bottom surface. They are predominantly predators on benthic invertebrates and are opportunistic feeders. Several species have specific feeding habits, such as stomach eversion and suspended eating. They have complicated life cycles and are capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction. Most have the ability to regrow broken or lost limbs, as well as shed arms to defend themselves. The Asteroidea play a number of important ecological roles. The ochre sea star (Pisaster ochraceus) and the reef sea star (Stichaster australis) are two starfish species that have become well-known as instances of the keystone species concept in ecology. The tropical crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) is a voracious coral predator throughout the Indo-Pacific area, and the northern Pacific sea star is one of the world’s top 100 invasive species.
Starfish have a long fossil record, reaching back to the Ordovician period roughly 450 million years ago, although it is scarce since starfish disintegrate after death. Only the animal’s ossicles and spines are likely to be intact, making remains difficult to find. Starfish have been featured in literature, legend, design, and popular culture due to their beautiful symmetrical shape. They are sometimes collected as curios, utilized in design or as logos, and, despite their toxicity, consumed in some civilizations.
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