Starfish: Extraordinary Survivors of the World’s Oceans Starfish, also known as sea stars, are among the most recognisable and fascinating creatures found in oceans across the globe. With their striking shapes, vibrant colours, and unusual biology, starfish capture the imagination of beachgoers, divers, and marine scientists alike. Found from shallow rockpools to the deepest ocean floors, these remarkable animals are perfectly adapted to life in the sea. What Are Starfish? Despite their name, starfish are not fish. They belong to a group of marine animals called echinoderms, meaning 'spiny skin' , which also includes sea urchins and sea cucumbers. Starfish are invertebrates, meaning they have no backbone, and are known for their distinctive radial symmetry—most commonly with five arms, though some species have many more. A starfish's skeleton is on the inside of its body and is made of small calcium carbonate plates called ossicles. These plates create the tough,...
An Intimate Guide to British Wildlife