Each arm contains sex organs used for sexual reproduction and in some species each arm, or even a piece of an arm, is capable of regenerating an entirely new starfish. Starfish, also called sea stars, are perhaps one of the most familiar of marine organisms and are practically a symbol of ocean life. Despite their name, they are echinoderms not fish and breathe through structures on their skin, not through gills. The greatest variety of species is found in the northern Pacific, from the Puget Sound to the Aleutian Islands. These bottom dwellers play a crucial role in the ocean ecosystem, as prey when they are free-floating larvae and as predator when they reach adulthood.
Few animals eat adult starfish, which are apparently neither palatable nor nutritious.
All Rights Reserved . No images, graphics, scripts, or applets may be reproduced or used in any manner without permission from the copyright holders.