What features does a starfish have?
Sea stars are a diverse group of animals, but most of them share the following characteristics: Hard plates under their skin instead of a backbone. Spines or spicules covering the top (or dorsal) surface. Hundreds of tube feet, which help feeding and movement.
What types of starfish are poisonous?
The crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci, is a large starfish that preys upon hard, or stony, coral polyps (Scleractinia). The crown-of-thorns starfish receives its name from venomous thorn-like spines that cover its upper surface, resembling the biblical crown of thorns.
What are facts about echinoderms?
Ten Hefty Facts About Echinoderms Echinoderms are invertebrates. Members of phylum Echinodermata which came from the Greek word “spiny skin”. Echinoderms possess specialized structure to protect themselves. Like humans, echinoderms’ epidermis also acts as its first line of defense against potential threat. Echinoderms are capable of regeneration. Echinoderms use water as their blood.
What are the four groups of echinoderms?
Echinoderms are classified into the following five groups. They are Asteroidea (starfish, sea stars), Ophiuroidea (brittle stars), Echinoidea (Sea Urchins), Crinoidea (Feather Stars), and Holothuroidea (Sea Cucumbers). To know briefly about the each classification move on to the page Classification of Echinoderms.
What is the species of echinoderms?
The echinoderm is of the Phylum Echinodermata , which is a phylum of marine animals. about 70,000 living species such as sea stars, sea urchins, sand dollars, and sea cucumbers.
What is the largest starfish?
The largest known starfish, the sunflower star (Pycnopodia helianthoides), manages to break several records. It is the largest sea star in terms of arm span, reaching nearly 40 inches from arm tip to arm tip, and is also the heaviest, weighing in at up to 11 pounds. It also has the most arms of any known species.
