Life History of Asterias forbesi

    The sea star is part of the second largest subclass (Asteroidea) in the
phylum Echinodermata.  These are generally around 20 centimeters in diameter
and have five arms protruding from a central disk.  The arms do not play an
important role in locomotion; instead, the many tube feet located at the
base of each arm act in coordination with one another.  Movement is usually
slow.  The arms are capable of being severed if the sea star is under
attack, and can be regenerated later.
    Sea stars are carnivorous predators, and prey on other echinoderms,
sponges, gastropods, bivalves, and even some small fish.