Did you know that if a starfish loses an arm, it can grow a new one?

Starfish (or sea stars) belong to echinoderms and are known for their ability to regenerate. If a starfish loses one of its arms due to a predator attack, an accident, or even as a defense mechanism, it can regrow the lost arm. This process, known as regeneration, is possible because specialized cells can replace damaged tissue.

Regeneration is not limited to arms; in some species, even a small part of the starfish’s central disc, along with an arm, can grow into an entirely new starfish. This makes starfish remarkably resilient and adaptable. However, the regeneration process is complex and energy-intensive, which means it can take several months to years, depending on the species, the size of the starfish, and environmental conditions such as food availability and water quality.

Besides surviving and recovering from injuries, regeneration also plays a crucial role in the reproduction of some starfish species, where they can reproduce asexually by splitting off part of their body. This extraordinary ability makes starfish fascinating and resilient ocean inhabitants, offering important insights into the possibilities of regenerative biology.

The photo accompanying this article was taken by Mark Walz via flickr.com.