What are examples of starfish?

Starfish, also known as sea stars, are fascinating creatures with a wide variety of species. Here are some examples:

Common Starfish:

* Common Starfish (Asterias rubens): Found in the North Atlantic, this species is often orange or reddish-brown and has five arms.

* Northern Pacific Sea Star (Pisaster ochraceus): A keystone species, this starfish plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the intertidal ecosystem. It is typically orange-red with five arms.

* Bat Star (Patiria miniata): Known for its unique, bat-like shape, this species can be found along the Pacific coast of North America.

* Sunflower Star (Pycnopodia helianthoides): The largest starfish in the world, this species can have up to 24 arms and can grow to be over 3 feet in diameter. It is found along the Pacific coast of North America.

Unique Starfish:

* Brittle Star (Ophiothrix fragilis): This starfish has long, slender arms and is often called a "basket star" due to its ability to wrap its arms around prey.

* Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster planci): This species is known for its venomous spines and has a distinctive reddish-brown color. It is considered a pest in the Great Barrier Reef.

* Spiny Starfish (Marthasterias glacialis): This starfish is covered in spines and is commonly found in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea.

Other Notable Species:

* Leather Star (Dermasterias imbricata): This starfish is named for its leathery skin and can be found in the Pacific Ocean.

* Chocolate Chip Starfish (Fromia milleporella): This starfish has a distinctive pattern of brown spots on a white background.

These are just a few examples of the many fascinating starfish species found around the world. Each species has unique characteristics and plays a vital role in the marine ecosystem.