How Do Starfish Move?
Quick Answer
Starfish move using tube feet on their undersides. Their feet use seawater to form a hydraulic system. The starfish's vascular system is open and relies on the water around it rather than internal pressure. Starfish can only move outside of water for a short time. A starfish left out of water for too long loses its ability to move, and it dies if not quickly returned to the ocean.
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Full Answer
A starfish's mouth and gills are also located on its underside. To feed, the starfish turns its stomach inside-out through its mouth. This unique ability allows the starfish to feed on bivalves, such as clams, without completely prying open the shell. Once the starfish uses its arms to open the shell slightly, it pushes its stomach through the opening and digests the contents of the shell.
Starfish have eye spots that allow them to sense light. One of these red spots is located at the end of each arm on the starfish's top side. Though they can differentiate between light and dark, these eyes cannot see color or make out details. The dark seafloor environment that starfish live in does not require great visual acuity, so basic light sensitivity is sufficient.
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Q:
How Do Sea Stars Breathe?
A: Sea stars breathe using simple diffusion through their tube feet, as well as with dermal gills that keep water moving past them with cilia. Oxygen is carri... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
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How Can You Preserve a Starfish?
A: To preserve a starfish, soak the starfish in alcohol and place it in a sunny location outdoors until it is completely dry. Salt and baking soda can also be... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Do Starfish Eat?
A: A starfish eats by wrapping its arms around a bivalve's shell, prying it open, injecting its stomach into the shell and then digesting the prey. After dige... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Can You Preserve Starfish?
A: To preserve a starfish, soak it in rubbing alcohol for up to 48 hours before placing it outdoors to dry. The drying process can take several days, but it m... Full Answer >Filed Under:
