Shocking Sea Stars!
By G. L.
Intro
Diet
The diet of a sea star is bewildering. This creature catches slow moving or stationary animals, particularly mollusks, and uses their tube feet to break open the shell. It is hard to believe, but they will extend their stomach out of their body to swallow their prey, then will re-swallow their stomach! Starfish like to eat clams, oysters, coral, mussels, barnacles, and injured fish. Sometimes they will also eat decaying plants or animals as well, but for less nutrition. Starfish have a very interesting diet.
Body Structure
Starfish also have an incredible body structure. Some sea stars are only one centimeter, and others are as large as a ruler. An extraordinary fact is if Starfish are in danger, they will drop an arm for the predator then crawl away completely unharmed! It takes about a year for an arm to regrow. tSome starfish have spikes, but all have two stomachs and radial symmetry. They also have an eye on the end of each arm, even though they’re very hard to see. These creatures are every single color out there, and they always have their weakest spots facing the rock. As you can see, the starfish’s body structure is extraordinary.
habitat
The habitat of the sea star is also very intriguing. First of all, this critter is only found in salt water. Also, they are mostly found in tide pools and semi-shallow waters. I’ll never forget the time when I was swimming in the ocean and I nearly stepped on a sea star! After all, the most varieties of sea stars are found in the northern hemisphere. The habitat of the sea star is quite interesting.
Closing
These exciting echinoderms have very interesting habitats, diet, and body structure. They create interest in humans all over the world, and many keep these critters as pets. This one-of-a-kind animal is one very smart and very beautiful.
Think Tank
Go Fish
Diorama
1: starfish, 2: Jelly Fish, 3: sea turtle, 4: puffer fish, 5: clown fish, 6: clam, 7: Crab, 8: coral