How long can a starfish survive out of water?

The amount of time a starfish can survive out of water depends on the species and the conditions. Some species of starfish can survive for several hours out of water, while others can only survive for a few minutes. The most common cause of death for starfish out of water is desiccation, or drying out. Starfish have a unique water vascular system that helps them move and breathe. When they are out of water, this system can no longer function properly and the starfish will eventually die.

Some conditions can make it easier for starfish to survive out of water. If the starfish is kept cool and moist, it may be able to survive for longer. Additionally, some species of starfish are more tolerant of desiccation than others. For example, the common starfish (Asterias rubens) can survive for several hours out of water, while the sand star (Astropecten irregularis) can only survive for a few minutes.

If you find a starfish out of water, the best thing to do is to return it to the ocean as soon as possible. If the starfish is already dry, you can try to revive it by placing it in a cool, moist environment.