The starfish, also known as a sea star, comprises over 2,000 species, showcasing a remarkable variety of colors and shapes. While the most common starfish have five arms, some species can possess up to 40 arms. With such diversity, it’s no wonder we are captivated by these unique ocean creatures. Here are five extraordinary starfish found in the sea.
The Crown-of-Thorns Starfish
The name says it all: this unusual starfish is covered in poisonous spikes. If you get pierced by one, the wound will bleed and cause a stinging sensation. Nausea and swelling can persist for over a week, so it’s best to avoid touching it. This starfish feeds on fast-growing coral, helping to maintain biodiversity by preventing any one species from taking over an area.
Royal Starfish
The bright colors of the royal starfish capture attention—intense blue runs along the top of its long arms, surrounded by vibrant orange along the edges. Its mouth, which consists of five spine-covered jaws, allows the starfish to consume its prey whole.
Sunflower Starfish
The sunflower starfish, measuring up to 3.3 feet across, is the largest starfish in the world. It features 16 to 24 arms surrounding its colorful body. This unique starfish cannot survive outside of water and inhabits subtidal waters along the west coast of North America.
Pincushion Starfish
Rather than appearing like a star, the pincushion starfish has a rounded shape. Mistaking this starfish for a rock would be pretty straightforward. Its body cavity is often home to other animals.
Chocolate Chip Starfish
The starfish resembles one covered in chocolate chips, making it a strong candidate for the strangest starfish in the sea. These chocolate-like horns help defend against predators by making it hard for them to swallow the starfish whole.
