What does a young of star fish look like?

A young starfish, also known as a starfish larva, typically goes through several developmental stages before reaching adulthood. The appearance of a young starfish can vary depending on the species, but here is a general description:

1. Egg: Starfish start their lives as eggs. The eggs are usually small and spherical, and they are often released into the water by adult starfish.

2. Bipinnaria larva: After the eggs hatch, the young starfish enter the bipinnaria larval stage. Bipinnaria larvae are free-swimming and have a distinctive shape with two ciliated arms that help them move through the water. The larvae also have a digestive system and a rudimentary nervous system.

3. Brachiolaria larva: The bipinnaria larva then develops into the brachiolaria larva. Brachiolaria larvae have a more developed digestive system and a more complex nervous system. They also develop rudimentary arms that will eventually become the adult starfish's arms.

4. Metamorphosis: Brachiolaria larvae eventually undergo metamorphosis, which is the process of transforming into an adult starfish. During metamorphosis, the larvae lose their ciliated arms and their bodies become more star-shaped. They also develop adult features such as tube feet and a water vascular system.

5. Juvenile starfish: After metamorphosis, the young starfish are considered juveniles. They look similar to adult starfish but are smaller in size and may have slightly different coloration. Juvenile starfish continue to grow and develop until they reach adulthood.

During each of these stages, the young starfish may also go through changes in coloration and size. Some species of starfish have planktonic larvae that drift in the ocean currents, while others have lecithotrophic larvae that rely on the nutrients stored in the egg yolk for nourishment. The duration of each larval stage can also vary among different species of starfish.