Joey Saves The Day!: Facts about Starfish

Facts About Starfish

Take a moment to appreciate and count all the incredible blessings in your life today!

We are on letter Ss of the gratitude alphabet.

S is for Starfish!

What are you thankful for that begins with the letter S?

I deeply appreciate starfish, also known as sea stars, which are fascinating and unique sea creatures. It is remarkable to note that approximately 2,000 species of starfish are found in various habitats around the world. The diverse range of colors exhibited by starfish is truly astonishing, with the most prevalent shades being purplish-orange and brownish-red.

Continue reading to find out more about starfish.

Facts about starfish:

1. Some species of starfish do not conform to the iconic five-arm structure; in fact, some can have as many as 40 arms! Interestingly, if a starfish loses an arm, it can regenerate the lost limb. Even more fascinating is the fact that starfish are capable of splitting their bodies in half to create clones of themselves. This unique capability sets them apart from many other creatures in the animal kingdom.

2. Starfish, also known as sea stars, possess a remarkable ability - they have eyes! While starfish are colorblind, their eyes are sensitive to light and darkness, helping them navigate their underwater environment. Interestingly, these eyes are positioned at the tips of each of their arms. This means a starfish with five arms has five eyes, and one with forty arms has forty eyes! The concept of starfish possessing multiple eyes is truly fascinating.

3. Some starfish species have remarkable size variations. For instance, the largest type of starfish, known as Midgardia xandaros, can grow to a diameter of up to 53 inches! In contrast, the smallest starfish, Parvulastra parvivipara, typically measures only 1 cm in diameter. Among the starfish family, the Sunflower Sea star stands out as one of the rarest and most striking species. With its beautiful appearance resembling both the sun and a sunflower, it captures the imagination of sea enthusiasts and marine biologists alike.

4. Did you know that the average lifespan of a starfish is 35 years?

5. Starfish, also known as sea stars, are not fish; they are echinoderms and belong to the class Asteroidea. They are related to sand dollars and sea urchins, which are also part of the Echinodermata phylum. Despite their name, Starfish do not exhibit typical fish-like features, such as scales or fins. Instead, they have a unique water vascular system that helps them move and feed. This system also aids in their tube foot movement, which they use to navigate the ocean floor.

6. Starfish lack a centralized brain and instead have a decentralized nervous system. Additionally, they do not have a true heart and instead use a water vascular system to circulate nutrients and oxygen. Furthermore, they do not have blood like humans do, but instead use a water vascular system to transport nutrients and oxygen throughout their bodies.

7. Did you know that starfish are carnivorous? They have a taste for clams, mussels, and oysters.

8. Starfish, also known as sea stars, are exclusive to saltwater environments and can be found inhabiting various regions throughout the world's oceans.

Get your printable Starfish coloring worksheet here: