Starfish

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Scientific name:  Asteroidea (Class)

Size:  5cm to 60cm across depending on the species

Distribution:  Found all around the coast of the UK

Months seen:  All year round

Habitat:  Saltwater

Food:  Shellfish, worms and crustaceans

Special features:  Starfish are a type of marine invertebrate.  Their body consists of a central disc which usually has five arms (sometimes more).  The upper surface may be spiny, smooth or grainy to the touch, depending on the species.  If you turn a Starfish over you'll see the mouth in the middle of the central disc.  Most Starfish are brightly coloured.

Starfish have tube feet which enable them to move about and forage for food.  Some Starfish have an unusual method of feeding feeding which involves turning it's stomach outside of its mouth and inserting it into its prey.  The gastric membrane then digests the victim.

Starfish can reproduce both sexually and asexually.  They are also able to regenerate lost or damaged limbs, and they can shed a limb as a method of defense.

Related Pages

• UK Safari Marine Wildlife Section
• What's Out Now?