When you find starfish on the beach, they’re often lying still so it’s easy to assume they can’t move. But Marine Conservation Society has shared footage of a sea star using its dainty little feet to crawl along.
“Have you ever seen a starfish walk?” says Marine Conservation Society on Instagram. “Starfish have hundreds of tiny tube feet on the underside of their bodies. These tube feet help starfish move, eat and hold onto objects.”
Sea stars can get a wriggle on, too. “Some adult sunflower sea stars [move] at a speed of one metre per minute!” the charity adds.
The video was filmed by Claire Casey who coordinates the Seasearch programme in Northern Ireland.
Divers and snorkellers all around Britain and Ireland can help marine research by submitting information about the plants and animals they see underwater around our coastline.
Images and video: Sand sea star (Astropecten irregularis)
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