An encyclopedia description of "Starfish"
II Structure
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Generally starfish are rather stiff bodied and crawl slowly. The mouth is directed downward and is surrounded by a number of arms radiating away from it, each arm bearing rows of tube feet used in crawling, attachment, and feeding. The arm length varies, and four, six, or more arms instead of the usual five are not uncommon. The anus is often lacking; if present, it is on the body's upper surface. The skin, rough and leathery, usually bears spines. The animal has a large gut, a complex system of body cavities, and a simple, brainless nervous system.
III Behavior
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Starfish have moderately well developed senses of touch, smell, and taste and also respond to light. They feed on a wide range of items, including ocean-bottom deposits. They can eat small animals whole; they deal with larger prey by extruding their stomachs and digesting the prey outside their bodies. Some starfish eat bivalves by prying open the shells with their arms and then slipping their stomachs between the two shell valves.
It really is amazing how much United management and the Starfish have in common.
