What is the Starfish prey?

Starfish, or sea stars, are opportunistic predators and their diet varies depending on the species. Here's a general overview:

Common Prey:

* Bivalve mollusks: This is a staple food for many starfish species. They use their tube feet to pry open clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops.

* Barnacles: Some starfish specialize in feeding on barnacles, scraping them off rocks with their arms.

* Sea urchins: Certain starfish species can pry open sea urchins and consume their soft insides.

* Other invertebrates: Some starfish also feed on worms, snails, and even other starfish.

Less common prey:

* Fish: Some starfish, like the Crown of Thorns starfish, can prey on fish, but this is less common.

* Corals: The Crown of Thorns starfish is infamous for consuming coral polyps, which can have a significant impact on coral reefs.

How they hunt:

* Prying: They use their powerful tube feet and arms to pry open the shells of bivalves.

* Everting stomach: Some starfish can turn their stomach inside out and push it into the shell of their prey, digesting it externally.

* Digestion: They break down their food within their stomach, absorbing nutrients.

Important Note: While starfish are predators, they are not always "evil" or destructive. They play a vital role in maintaining balance in marine ecosystems.