Plants and Animals

How do sea stars eat?

Link to this answer

CloseClose

Link to this answer

Share this credible answer with others. Simply paste this code into your blog or Web page:

<a href="http://qanda.encyclopedia.com/question/do-sea-stars-eat-133440.html" >How do sea stars eat?</a>
E-mail this answer Link to this answer

Sea stars are carnivorous. Members of many species have protrusible stomachs and prey largely on bivalves, such as clams and oysters; they are extremely destructive to commercial oyster beds. The sea star wraps its arms around the bivalve, grips the shell with its tube feet, and opens it by sustained powerful suction. The shell needs to open only about 1/100 in. (0.25 mm). The sea star then extrudes its stomach through its mouth and inserts it inside the shell of the prey, where it digests and absorbs the soft inner tissues.

Answer verified with
Get more facts and information about sea star . Or, view the full encyclopedia entry from The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition.

Similar questions: What is the form that sea stars eat? What way do sea stars eat? [ Hide these questions ]

Related research questions

Related research articles

A survivor's guide: Why cruising can appeal to everyone; Surveys estimate that...
Newspaper article from: The Birmingham Post (England) ...like giant five-star resorts complete with...those worried about sea sickness (although...area on board. WHAT DO I WEAR? One of the...dress restrictions do apply). The tour...dress beforehand, but do pack your best frock...s Explorer of the Seas some ships even have...for being able ...
Diet & Slimming: BODYWORKS: Be a whiz in the 'eat better' quiz.(Features)
Newspaper article from: Sunday Mirror (London, England) ...them HOW MUCH WATER DO YOU DRINK EACH DAY...at least 8 glasses DO YOU COOK YOUR OWN FRESH...as as much possible DO YOU AVOID... HIGH...rice and oats. Also eat more nuts and seeds...the table - and use sea salt. Also cut back...MOSTLY C's YOU'RE a star, getting it right...
Vital: Ready, steady, eat more fish is Antony's recipe for health.(Features)
Newspaper article from: Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland) ...that so few of us eat fish regularly. To...Seafish Week, the TV star has called on Scots...you just don't eat it. 'It's incredibly...all you need to do is throw some shallots...they're ready to eat and lovely. 'There...fan of monkfish and sea bass, but if it...
EAT OUT FOR JUST pounds 5; Collect the tokens and enjoy a delicious slap-up...
Newspaper article from: Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland) ...reader the chance to eat out for a fiver...Then all you have to do is decide where youwant to eat. Check out the restaurants...mention Daily Record Eat Out for pounds 5...The Esplanade, Sea Beach, AB24 5NS...Alexandria, Golden Star, 100 Balloch Road...
Kids stay, eat free in Caribbean.(Going Places)(Families)
Newspaper article from: Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL) ...the smart thing to do because the crowds...Kids Stay, Play and Eat Free promotion in...casino. The four-star Breezes Punta Cana...younger than 12 stay and eat free. The offer must...Kids Stay & Eat Free program. Children...views of the Caribbean Sea and the island. Rates...
See all results at HighBeam

HighBeam gives you access to newspaper, magazine, and trade journal articles plus press releases, facts, information, and biographies from thousands of sources.