A six-rayed sea star has a secret: she is nurturing her embryos and larvae beneath her body.
Life Cycle of the Sea Star
Embryos and Larvae:
Chubby embryos are hidden away.
Hatched larvae look different from the adult form initially.
Over a couple of months, the larvae will resemble their mother more closely.
Characteristics of the Sea Star
Physical Traits:
Has six arms (one more than typical sea stars).
Size comparable to a bottle cap.
Habitat:
Found in Northern California's intertidal zone.
Parenting Behavior
Brooding:
Unique behavior among sea stars, where the mother protects her babies under her body.
Unlike most sea stars that are broadcast spawners (release many eggs and sperm into the water), six-rayed sea star mothers have fewer babies and are more involved.
They actively clean and care for their brood, sacrificing their own feeding for approximately three months.
Development of Larvae
Temporary Limbs:
Babies initially cling to the mother using brachiola arms (stubby limbs).
Growth:
After a month, they develop new arms and tube feet, reabsorbing their temporary limbs.
Independence:
Once matured, the young sea stars venture out to find food.
Feeding
Adult Diet:
Adult sea stars consume shellfish like barnacles and snails.
Baby Diet:
Young sea stars eat smaller versions of shellfish, using their arms to capture prey and digesting them alive.
Conclusion
The attentive nurturing gives the six-rayed sea stars a higher chance of survival into adulthood.
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