CHAPTER XXXV 

 STARFISH 



A TYPE OF THE PHYLUM ECHINODERMATA 



Starfishes are generally distributed along all marine coasts but are 

 much more abundant where the shore is rocky than where it is composed 

 of sand or mud, for they can make Httle headway on a bottom which is 

 soft and yielding. They are also found clinging to piers, piling, and other 

 solid objects in the water which offer firm attachment. Along the shores 



Fig. 108. — Aboral surface of a starfish, Asterias vulgaris Verrill. 



specimen. X }'2- 



From a preserved 



of the oceans, where conditions are very favorable and where starfishes 

 become exceedingly abundant, the rocks at low tides are often closely 

 sprinkled with them. In certain places a bushel basket may be filled 

 with those which have gathered under a large boulder, where they are 

 protected from the direct rays of the sun and from excessive drying. 

 They usually remain quiet in the daytime. When clinging they adhere 

 closely and it sometimes requires considerable force to dislodge them, the 

 tube feet being torn in the effort. 



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