Starfish Facts for Kids
Starfish, also known as sea stars, are fascinating creatures that can be found in oceans all around the world. They are often seen as symbols of the ocean and are loved by many for their unique and beautiful shapes, colors, and textures. Here are some interesting starfish facts that kids will love to learn about.
1. Starfish are not actually fish!
Despite the name ‘starfish’, these creatures are actually not fish at all. They are echinoderms, which means ‘spiny-skinned’. They are related to sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and sand dollars.
2. There are over 2,000 different types of starfish!
Starfish come in many different shapes and sizes, and there are over 2,000 known species of them. They can range from as small as ½ inch to as large as 3 feet in diameter.
3. Starfish have no brain or blood
Unlike other animals, starfish have no brain or blood. Instead, they have a complex nervous system that runs throughout their arms. They also have a special circulatory system that relies on water to pump nutrients around their body.
4. Starfish can regrow lost arms
One of the most amazing things about starfish is their ability to regenerate lost arms. If a predator happens to grab a starfish’s arm, the starfish can simply detach it and grow a new one. Some species of starfish can even regrow an entire new body from a single arm!
5. Starfish eat with their stomachs
Starfish have a unique way of eating that is quite different from most animals. When they find food, they use their strong arms to pry open the shells of clams, oysters, and other small creatures. They then push their stomach out through their mouth and into the shell to digest the food inside. In this way, starfish can eat much larger prey than their small mouths would allow.
6. Starfish can live for a long time
On average, starfish can live up to 35 years in the wild. Some species can even live for up to 50 years! This is quite remarkable considering how delicate and vulnerable they appear to be.