Here is identification, characteristic, biology, natural history, ecology, and other profile facts and information to learn about Starfishes or Sea Stars, and how to care for them in saltwater aquariums.
A profile of the Sand Sifting Sea Star (Astropecten polycanthus), a Starfish which is not reef tank safe.
Your About Guides outline the basic characteristic traits of Starfishes and includes individual profiles on the 3 Classes -
Asteroidea (Sea & Cushion Stars),
Ophiuroidea (Brittle, Serpent & Basket Stars), and
Crinoidea (Feather Stars & Sea Lilies), as well as many of the species contained within them.
From WetWebMedia, Robert Fenner answers many questions asked about Brittle and Basket Starfish in an email type format.
From WetWebMedia, Robert Fenner profiles the characteristics of Brittle or Serpent, and Basket Stars of the Class
Ophiuroidea in great detail. Many photos are included to help with identification.
From the Enchanted Learning Ocean Animal Printouts, a printable coloring book style page that has a picture showing the anatomy of this starfish, as well as reproductive, diet and other information included.
From the Sea & Sky Reef Life pages, an explanation of what Echinoderms are with photos and information about the Cushion, Sunflower, Pacific, Short Spined and Orange Starfishes.
On April's My Marine Life Invertebrates Page, April provides a brief profile about Echinoderms with individual Sea, Brittle and Feather Star class descriptions and photo images for viewing some of the species contained in them.
From the Sea & Sky Reef Life pages, photos and information about the Reticulate Brittle, Basket & Feather Starfishes. The Purple and Rock Boring Urchins are included on this page as well.
While most Echinoderms are poisonous and many have sharp spines capable of causing injury, only a few members of the class
Asteroidea (Starfishes),
Echinoidea (Sea Urchins), and
Holothuroidea (Sea Cucumbers) are capable of actually causing injuries in humans. From eMedicine.com, learn about how these animals can harm you and what steps to take if a mishap occurs.
From the Tree of Life Web Project site, a taxonomic, characteristic, biology, natural history and ecology profile on the Class
Crinoidea, which contains Feather Stars and Sea Lilies.
From Jeff's Nudibranch Site and Coral Reef Gallery, this page covers comatulid Crinoids and the commensal creatures that rely on them for food and shelter. Select any picture shown for a larger view and description.
From the Enchanted Learning Ocean Animal Printouts, a printable coloring book style page that has a picture showing the basic anatomy of common Starfishes, and includes reproduction, diet and other information about them.
From WetWebMedia, Robert Fenner answers all kinds of questions asked about Sea Stars in an email type format. Some photof are included.
From WetWebMedia, Robert Fenner answers more questions asked about Sea Stars in an email type format.
From WetWebMedia, in this "Scavengers For Marine Systems" article by Robert Fenner, refer to the "Spiny-Skinned Animals" section for a basic overview on the characteristics of Sea, Brittle, and other Starfish.
