ECHINODERMATA 89 



numerous holes, through which pass the suckerlike tenta- 

 cles the organs of locomotion and prehension. The red 

 spots at the ends of the rays are eyes. The usual color 

 of starfishes is yellow, orange, or red. They abound 

 on every shore, and are often seen at low tide half 



FIG. 46. Under surface of Starfish (Gom'aster reticulatus) , showing ambulacral 

 grooves and protruded suckers. 



buried in the sand, or slowly gliding over the rocks. 

 Cold fresh water quickly kills them. They have to a 

 high degree the power of casting off their rays and of 

 reproducing the lost parts. They are carnivorous, very 

 voracious,, and are the worst enemies of the oyster. 



