Starfish are also known as asteroids because they form the taxonomic class Asteroidea (/ ˌæstəˈrɔɪdiə /). About 1,900 species of starfish live on the seabed, and are found in all the world's oceans, from warm, tropical zones to frigid, polar regions. The starfish is a very hardy animal, they can live for many years without being affected by pollution or other environmental hazards. Many types of starfish have been identified This Common Sea Star (Linckia) was photographed on the coral reefs of the Andaman Islands. Many coastal animals, including fish, sea turtles, snails, crabs, shrimp, otters, birds, feed on sea stars. Predators with big mouths such as gulls can eat them whole – they aren’t bothered by the sea star’s hard and bumpy skin. Predators with smaller mouths, such as snails and crabs, flip the sea star over and eat its soft tube feet, stomach and other body parts. But, if any of these predators ... Discover amazing starfish facts — their anatomy, regeneration, species, diet, habitat, and role in ocean ecosystems worldwide.
