Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Underwater Wednesday: Starfish

Today’s Underwater Wednesday may be a STAR, but it’s actually not a FISH. Huh?! The starfish is an echinoderm – a type of invertebrate marine animal.

©Life as an Artist’s Wife
Starfish photographed in Cozumel.


Photo Fun Facts:
 
  • Since this isn’t a true “fish,” scientists are trying to replace the name “starfish” with “sea star.”

  • They protect themselves from dangerous predators with their bony and calcified skin.

  • Most starfish have five arms, but some species can have up to 40 arms. (Wow, I bet they are great multi-taskers!)

  • And if a starfish loses an arm…no problem! They can regenerate what they lost.

  • This starfish was about the size of a dinner plate.

  • Michael took this photo at a depth of about 40 feet.