Sea Star - National Geographic Kids

Home » How Does A Starfish Eat » Sea Star - National Geographic Kids

Maybe your like

Skip to contentSearchShopNational Geographic Kids Logo - HomeGamesQuizzesPersonality QuizzesPuzzlesActionFunny Fill-InVideosAmazing AnimalsWeird But True!Party AnimalsTry This!AnimalsMammalsBirdsPrehistoricReptilesAmphibiansInvertebratesFishExplore MoreMagazinehistoryScienceSpaceU.S. StatesWeird But True!SubscribemenuMost sea stars have five arms, although some can grow as many as 50 arms. Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.Sea stars occupy many types of habitat, including tidal pools, rocky shores, sea grass, kelp beds, and coral reefs. Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.Sea stars, like sea urchins and sand dollars, do not have backbones, which makes them part of a group called invertebrates.Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.1 / 31 / 3Most sea stars have five arms, although some can grow as many as 50 arms. Most sea stars have five arms, although some can grow as many as 50 arms. Photograph by Mrtolc, Dreamstime
  • Animals
  • Invertebrates
Common Name: Starfish (Sea Stars)Scientific Name: AsteroideaType: InvertebratesDiet: CarnivoreAverage Life Span In The Wild: Up to 35 yearsSize: 4.7 to 9.4 inchesWeight: Up to 11 pounds

Most sea stars sport spiny skin and five arms, although some can grow as many as 50 arms. The arms are covered with pincerlike organs and suckers that allow the animal to slowly creep along the ocean floor.

Light-sensitive eyespots on the tips of the arms help the sea star find food.

Check out where sea stars live.National Geographic Maps
Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

Favorites on the menu include mollusks such as clams, oysters, and snails. The sea star eats by attaching to prey and extending its stomach out through its mouth. Enzymes from the sea star’s stomach digest the prey. The digested material enters the sea star’s stomach. Tiny organisms can be swallowed whole. Sea stars occupy every type of habitat, including tidal pools, rocky shores, sea grass, kelp beds, and coral reefs. Some sea stars even live in sands as deep as 20,530 feet (9,000 meters).

Sea stars aren’t social creatures, but they will congregate in large groups during certain times of the year to feed.

0:34The ocean is overflowing with amazing facts you probably didn’t know. Find out what they are on this episode of Weird But True!—Fast Facts.

Explore more!

Legal
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your California Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Do Not Sell My Info
Our Sites
  • National Geographic
  • National Geographic Education
  • Shop Nat Geo
  • Customer Service
Join Us
  • Subscribe
  • Manage Your Subscription
National Geographic Logo - Home

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright © 2015-2026 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

Tag » How Does A Starfish Eat