starfish

Everyday

1. A starfish is a sea animal shaped like a star, usually with five arms, that lives on the sea floor and on rocks. tree →
2. Scientists also call it a sea star, because it is not a fish. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, starfish are echinoderms, related to sea urchins; they have no bones and no brain, they move on tiny tube feet, and many can grow back a lost arm. On beaches and in rock pools in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, children find starfish. In stories, starfish stand for the sea and the beach.

Examples

• We found a starfish in the rock pool. tree →
• A starfish usually has five arms. tree →
• Starfish are not fish, so scientists call them sea stars. tree →
• A starfish can grow a new arm if it loses one. tree →
• Put the starfish gently back in the water. tree →
• Starfish eat mussels by opening their shells. tree →
• The starfish was orange and bumpy. tree →
• She lay on the sand like a starfish. tree →

Note

Plural: «starfish» or «starfishes»; both are used. Trap: a starfish is not a fish; it has no backbone, gills or fins. Do not take living starfish home, because they die out of water.