The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 1900
Starfish, also known as sea stars, are marine invertebrates found in oceans worldwide, from shallow coastal waters to deep-sea environments. They are known for their radial symmetry, typically with five arms, though some species have many more. Using a unique water vascular system, starfish move with hundreds of tiny tube feet and can cling strongly to surfaces. Many species are active predators, feeding on mollusks like clams and mussels by prying open their shells.
One of the most remarkable features of starfish is their ability to regenerate lost arms, and in some cases, even regrow an entire body from a single limb. This makes them highly resilient in the wild. Starfish play an important role in marine ecosystems by helping maintain balance among species. However, they are sensitive to environmental changes such as pollution and warming oceans, which can impact their populations.
