by Leann Zotis

Created on: July 09, 2011   Last Updated: July 14, 2011

Who hasn't gazed in wonder at the unique beauty of a starfish that was washed to shore after a storm or at high tide?  Their distinctive shape stands out among all other creatures of the ocean.  Perhaps the most interesting fact about starfish is that they are not actually "fish" at all.  They do not carry the defining features of a fish such as gills, scales, tails or fins.  Their manner of movement is nothing like that of a typical fish.  Their method of transportation resides in traveling with the ocean tide or with the tiny tubular feet on the bottom of their bodies.  Their speed is rather amazing considering this unusual mobility feature.

It is definitely not a true statement to say that "if you've seen one starfish, you've seen them all."  There are nearly 2,000 species of starfish throughout the earth's waters.  They have adapted to nearly every environment, from deep ocean waters to tropical beaches.  The signature mark of five arms on the starfish, thus the term "star," is not a definitive feature either.  Some species of starfish, for example the Sun Star, may have as many as 40 arms. 

Starfish have the amazing ability to regenerate body parts.  If they lose a fight with a predator in the ocean they simply drop a trapped arm and swim away to safety.  The missing appendage will slowly grow back.

Perhaps not so surprisingly, starfish do not have blood coursing through their veins.  Instead, they have a water vascular system.  The water around them is pumped through a sieve plate, known as a madreporite, into those fascinating tubular feet.  This process helps the starfish to extend the feet, aiding in transportation.  The water is extracted through the feet back into the ocean.

The arrangement of body parts is rather unique on the starfish.  Their mouth is located on the bottom of their body.  When a starfish comes in contact with its next meal, it simply wraps its arms around its prey and pull it close to them.  It then pushes its stomach through its mouth and attaches itself to its victim.  After digesting the other creature it slides its stomach back into its body and goes on about its life in the ocean.

As far as unusual locations for body parts goes, the starfish does have eyes.  One eye spot is located at the end of each arm, noticeable only as a red dot.  They definitely don't have to concern themselves with 20/20 vision.  Their only visual ability is being able to distinguish light from dark.

In a world of vast mystery and unusual creatures in the sea, the starfish is a definite standout when it comes to attracting its share of attention and admiration.

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