Sea stars have a hard outer shell, which puts off some potential predators. Despite this, starfish are preyed upon by organisms like seagulls, otters , morning sun stars, sharks, manta rays, lobsters , large fish, and some snail species.
Interestingly, if predators do not wholly consume them, sea stars can regenerate their missing body parts. Starfish are essential to the animal food chain. They are prey to some organisms. Further, these organisms predate on an array of organisms, a role which allows them to maintain the diversity and a balance of the ecosystem. Some starfish species are scavengers, which means they are useful in cleaning the ecosystem by getting rid of dead animal matter.
This helps provide more organisms in the food chain an excellent environment to propagate. Suggested Readings : Speaking of scavengers, the following animals also feed on dead animal matters.
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Please enter your comment! Please enter your name here. You have entered an incorrect email address! Leave this field empty. Recent Posts. Top 10 Genetics News of Top 10 Evolutionary Biology News of Learn More. Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica. Banggai Cardinalfish Pterapogon kauderni. These fish hide among the spines of sea urchins for protection. Horn Shark Heterodontus francisci.
Percula Clownfish Amphiprion percula. Previous Next. Subscribe To Our Newsletter Sign up to receive updates on animals, news and events. Subscribe Today. They wrap their bodies around quahogs and other bivalves, using the suction from their tube feet to pull shells apart. When the prey is opened, the sea star pushes its stomach out of its body and into the bivalve, secreting enzymes that digest the prey's soft body tissues.
The liquefied bivalve is then absorbed into the stomach. Sea stars feed often, and their size depends on the amount of food they eat, not on their age.
Sea stars are eaten by bottom-dwelling fish and crabs, as well as by sea gulls when low tides leave the sea stars exposed.
Regeneration will occur as long as one fifth of the sea star's body remains intact. Let us preface this section by saying, that as beautiful as starfish are — they are definitely not for beginners.
They require a lot of care and attention, and need a large tank set up at least gallons. Many will starve in tanks that are too small with not enough rock.
Always make sure you choose the right size aquarium. Before buying, always thoroughly research the species you are getting. Sometimes fish stores can use incorrect names and sell you the wrong species. Some species are voracious carnivores and will very quickly eat their way through the invertebrates of your reef tank! Some live in coral reefs; others live in rocky shorelines, sandy, tidal pools or seagrass meadows. Your aquarium should replicate whichever environment your particular species is used to.
As we mentioned before, they are grazers and eat food which has fallen to the bottom of your tank, including fish flakes, pellets, and any other food. Most species enjoy a meaty diet of mollusks, so putting a few clams or mussels in your tank is a sure way to keep them happy. Some species will accept vegetables such as boiled spinach, kale and other greens. You might want to make your own fish food to ensure they are getting the best diet possible.
Usually they need to be fed every days. Whilst they as usually nocturnal, they will quickly adapt to daytime feeds after being exposed to them often enough. Some species such as Chocolate Chip eat corals; others are not as destructive but still require a diet which a lot of hobbyists are unable to provide.
Their main diet will be based on the food they usually eat in the wild, for some this will be meaty foods, for other this will be algae. Some species are quite simple to feed, others are more difficult. As always, make sure you research the species you want to introduce to your tank to ensure you get species specific feeding advice.
It is unfortunately all too common for them to die in captivity either due to poor water conditions, not surviving the acclimatization, or starving to death. If you are sure you want to include one in your tank, make sure you know exactly how to care for it, how to keep the tank clean , and the right diet to provide it with.
Which starfish are you thinking of getting? Is there a particular one you like the look of? Let us know in the comments below, we love hearing from you….
Would a 15 gallon tank be enough for just one starfish?
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