What kind of ocean habitat do starfish live in?

Starfish, also known as sea stars, are found in a variety of ocean habitats, but they are most commonly associated with rocky intertidal zones and shallow coastal waters.

Here's a breakdown of the habitats they inhabit:

* Intertidal zones: These areas are the transition zone between land and sea, which means they experience fluctuating water levels and are exposed to air and sun during low tide. Starfish thrive in these environments due to their ability to withstand changes in salinity, temperature, and moisture.

* Shallow coastal waters: This includes areas like reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy bottoms, where starfish can find food and shelter.

* Deep ocean: Some species of starfish are adapted to living in the deep ocean, where they can withstand extreme pressure and darkness.

Specific examples:

* Rocky intertidal: You are likely to find common starfish like the ochre starfish (Pisaster ochraceus) in this habitat.

* Coral reefs: The crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) lives in coral reefs and is known for its predatory nature towards corals.

* Deep ocean: Some starfish species like the basket star (Gorgonocephalus) live in the deep ocean, relying on currents to bring them food.

Important note: The type of ocean habitat where starfish live can vary greatly depending on the specific species and its adaptations.