by Robert Bullard

Created on: February 17, 2009

Although there are over 1800 differing species of starfish (Sea Stars), this article will focus on 4 unique species, which are:

THE SUNFLOWER STAR (Pycnopodia Helianthoides)

The Sunflower Star is among the largest of any starfish species. They commonly grow to over 2 ft. in diameter, weighing up to 11 pounds. However, with its 24 thick arms and large bulk, it is one of the fastest of any Sea Star species, moving at a rate of up to 18 ft. per minute. The colors of this species range widely from red to yellow, purple to pink, as well as orange and brown. This species is found from the rocky sea bottoms of Alaska, down to the California coast. They live comfortably on rock as well as mud, sand and gravel substrates. It is equipped with organs that give it both a strong sense of smell, and an extreme sensitivity to light. Sea urchins are their favorite meal, but they will also hunt and eat mussels, crabs, clams, mollusks, sponges, sea cucumbers and sand dollars. There is no noticeable difference between the male and female of this species. In fact, they do not spawn as other Sea Stars do - the males and females release their genetic material when ready, and fertilization takes place by chance. Even so, this "breeding season" takes place from May to June. The fertilized eggs float around for a while as they develop into swimming, bilateral larvae. These larvae will remain in the plankton for around 10 weeks after which they settle to the bottom and metamorphosize into a young 5-armed Star. As they grow, the juveniles first develop a single arm to one side; then add bilateral pairs of arms in a clock-wise motion.

THE CROWN OF THORNS STARFISH (Acanthaster Planci)

Also known as the "Coral-Eating Starfish" and the "Giant-Thorny Starfish", this Sea Star is the most despised Sea Star in the world due to its destructive influence on the world's coral reef ecosystem, especially the Great Barrier Reef where it is most abundant. It is the second largest Sea Star in the world, second only to the Giant Sunstar. They are found along coral reefs in the Pacific and Indian oceans, as well as in the Red Sea. Known as sedentary dwellers, they avoid turbulent water, preferring instead to live in more sheltered areas. These are solitary, nocturnal animals which feed alone, and seem to maintain constant distance between themselves and other members of their species. This animal can have from 10 to 20 arms, and is either greenish or brown in color. It can grow to over a foot in diameter,

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