This surprising starfish facts blog post was inspired by my recent Starfish Hunting trip in the Cayman Islands. It made me want to learn more about starfish.
You can see all of the amazing images and videos from Starfish Point Beach in Grand Cayman at my Reclaiming My Spirit blog. It’s this one: Starfish Point Beach – Reclaiming My Spirit
I had so much fun and enjoyed that experience so much it also resulted in this Starfish Cup Drop.
I hope you find these surprising starfish facts as interesting as I do.
Surprising Starfish Facts Inspired By My Starfish Hunting Trip
The first surprising starfish fact may be the one that’s the most unbelievable. But don’t worry, there are others. So buckle up and get ready for this first one to blow your mind!
The Most Surprising Starfish Fact
See the cute little starfish featured on the Turtle and Starfish Mug in the picture above? Well, what if I told you starfish aren’t actually fish?
I know, I’m kind of shooketh too. I mean if they aren’t fish, what are they?
A Starfish By Any Other Name
So, if they aren’t starfish, what are they. I guess I need to consider renaming this post from This surprising starfish facts to surprising Sea Star facts.
Apparently, that’s what they’re actually called. The reason is because they aren’t true fish. At least according to this article.
One reason is because they don’t have gills, scales, or fins like fish do. Sea stars also move differently from fish. While fish propel themselves with their tails, sea stars have tiny tube feet to help them move along.
Since they aren’t classified as fish, scientists prefer to call starfish “sea stars.”
Who knew?
Surprising Starfish Fact – Starfish and Sand Dollars Are Cousins!
I know what you’re thinking. What do you mean, starfish and sand dollars are cousins?
I guess when you think about it, this surprising starfish fact isn’t really surprising. I mean, wo do often see them together. They hang out in the same places, kind of like the same stuff. But cousins?
Yep, that’s because starfish or sea stars and sand dollars belong to a family of sea creatures called echinoderms. There are over 7000 species of echinoderms. Starfish, sand dollars and sea urchins are all considered echinoderms.
Surprising Starfish Facts About Their Shape And Sizes
We typically have an image of what a starfish looks like. And it’s definitely not of the one pictured above. But this surprising starfish fact is super surprising. I mean, did you know starfish can have more than 5 arms?
Just like the starfish pictured above, the sun star. A sun star starfish can have as many as 40 arms. Not quite the cute image of starfish we typically think about, huh?
One More Surprising Starfish Fact
Ok this one isn’t just a surprising starfish fact, it’s a shocking one! Did you know some starfish eat other starfish? Does that mean they’re cannibals of their own kind?
Check out this YouTube video below and you be the judge.
Ending With Beauty
Now, I can’t let your last images on this blog post be of that shocking and surprising starfish fact. Instead, I’ll leave you with some beautiful images from my Starfish Collection which is part of my Beach Collection at my CupofMood Shop.
Love Starfish Décor?
I love starfish decor, too. If I’m being honest, and this is one non surprising starfish fact. I just love ANYTHING beach related. Prior to our house fire, I used to have a couple of starfish in my display bowl of beach souvenirs from all over. Those are gone now.
However, I’m eyeballing some replacement items. Some specifically with starfish on them. You can see the items I’m checking out at my Amazon Storefront.
Let me know what you thought of these surprising starfish facts.
Stay tuned for more fun facts and new cup drops.
Until next time,
Namaste,
Khadeeja
