Sea Stars (Asteroidea) are sometimes 
called Starfish,
even though they are not fish at all. These animals belong to
the phylum Echinodermata, which means "spiny skinned."
This phylum is made up of five classes: Asteroidea (sea stars),
Echinoidea (sea urchins), Ophiuroidea (brittle stars), Crinoidea
(feather stars and sea lilies) and Holothurioidea (sea cucumbers).
There are more than 5,000 species and most of them prefer warm
waters.
The usual number of arms on these creatures
is five but they can have as many as 30. If an arm is broken
off, they can grow a new one in its place. Their arms are tipped
with suction cups which helps them move along and open their
prey which includes clams and other bivalves, sea urchins, and
even other sea stars.
A sea star's mouth is on the bottom center
where the arms meet.
This is Wish, a Sea Star
Beanie Baby made by Ty Inc.
