Red Starfish
Description
of the Red Starfish
The Red Starfish is a common starfish and is Orange or Red in
color. It has five 'limbs' radiating from its central disk. Red
Starfish are capable for
both sexual and asexual reproduction. They use their water
vascular system to move through the water, breath and manage
digestion.
Profile of
the Red Starfish
This
Profile contains interesting facts and information about the
Red Starfish species.
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Size: 20 to 30cm
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Fish Tank
conditions:
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Habitat: Rocky
Bottom of Marine Waters, depths of up to 250m
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Range: English
Channel, Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean
Scientific
Classification of the Red Starfish
Definition: Scientific
classification, or biological classification, is how biologists
group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical
characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the
science of taxonomy.
Interesting Facts and Information -
How do you identify
the sex of a Red Starfish?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors
or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish
species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes
tricky being an ichthyologist!
Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Red Starfish slimy?
Red Starfish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin.
This slime provides protection against parasites and infections
and helps the Red Starfish to move through
the water faster. Some fish species also release
toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish
species use their slime to feed their young.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do Red Starfish have gills?
Gills enable the Red Starfish to breathe. Gills consist of thin
sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over
the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon
dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a
large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however
have lungs and breathe air.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do the Red Starfish have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are
used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different
fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish
species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish
are designed to perform a specific function:
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Dorsal fins - The
dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Red Starfish
has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.
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Ventral fins. The
ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The
Red Starfish
has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.
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Caudal fins. The
Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Red Starfish
has Caudal fins to propel through the water.
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Pectoral fins. The
Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The
Red Starfish
has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to
side movement
Interesting Facts and Information about
Red Starfish
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