StarfishAsteroidea

Starfish are echinoderms typically recognised by a central disc from which radial arms extend. Most species have five arms, though some possess many more, up to 40. Their body surface varies from smooth or granular to heavily spined, with a distinct madreporite usually visible on the upper side. Size in the 🌊 Red Sea ranges from a few centimetres to over 60 cm (2 ft) in diameter. Colouration is highly variable across the group, including muted tones for camouflage, as well as vivid reds, oranges, and blues.

These animals move slowly across surfaces using hundreds of tube feet on their underside. They inhabit diverse marine environments, from shallow intertidal zones to deeper reef slopes and sandy bottoms, typically found down to 100 m (330 ft). Starfish diets vary significantly between species, including predation on bivalves, gastropods, and corals, as well as scavenging on detritus. Some species evert their stomach to digest prey externally. They are common residents throughout these habitats.