Product Description
Starfish, or sea stars (a less confusing designation, since they are only very distantly related to fish), are marine invertebrates belonging to the kingdom animalia, phylum Echinodermata, and class Asteroidea, of which there are over 1800 known species. The names sea star and starfish also are (incorrectly) used for the closely related brittle stars, which make up the class Ophiuroidea.
Characteristics of sea stars include that they exhibit a superficially radial symmetry, since they typically have five or more "arms" which radiate from an indistinct disk (pentaradial symmetry), and tend to be covered in spines. Like other echinoderms, starfish possess an endoskeleton, but do not rely on it for support and locomotion, instead using a hydraulic water vascular system that functions via many projections called tube feet, located on the ventral surface of the starfish's arms.
Starfish are an essential part of marine food chains, being eaten as larvae, and becoming voracious predators upon reaching adulthood, with their diet including mollusks and other marine organisms. They even are able to evert their stomach in order to pull apart and digest their shelled prey. For humans, they are a source of aesthetic joy and their remarkable characteristics—movement based on a hydraulics system, ability to regenerate lost limbs and evert their stomach—add to the wonder of nature. Some starfish also are captured, dried out, and turned into popular souvenirs or decorations.
While starfish can reproduce sexually, if an arm of the starfish is severed from the body and it contains a portion of the central nerve ring, then another starfish can regrow from the severed portion. Lack of knowledge of this capacity increased the role of starfish as pests to commercial clam and oyster beds when fisherman, in an effort to get rid of these predators, would cut them up and throw them back into the ocean.
Collectible Wildlife Toys is the market leader in providing high quality, realistic toys of all types! Each and everyone of our items is heavily inspected for quality craftsmanship and authenticity. Our products make great gifts for your family and friends! Additionally, our lifelike animal figurines and plush make for great displays and educational sets. We are happy to serve our wide range of clientele from parents to educators, gift shop owners and many more!
Our team works hard to ensure you get a great toy. All products from CWG are checked for quality to ensure you receive order in perfect condition.
From plush sharks to educational animal growths cycle we offer the perfect toy or gift for any occasion. Our products have been ordered by educational groups, aquariums, zoos, and more.
Great customer service is guaranteed when you order from Collectible Wildlife Gifts, we want you to love your toy and have a simple ordering process, we are happy to assist with inquiries!
