How many times have people shared photos or videos of a starfish pulled from the water on social networks? A morbid obsession with praise and a lack of knowledge turn this seemingly innocent gesture into a death sentence for these creatures.
The starfish, officially known as the class Asteroidea, belongs to the echinoderm family. It is a group of about 1,800 species spread across every ocean on the planet.
These animals have a central disk and five arms, though some varieties feature more limbs. Their surface can be smooth, granulated, or spiny, and certain species can regrow damaged or missing arms.
Their feeding relies on a bottom filter system that captures microorganisms, though they can also consume sea sponges when available.
Movement occurs through tiny tube feet along the arms, and suction cups allow them to adhere to surfaces they encounter underwater.
That striking footer image of a starfish often shows the animal credited to a photo platform like Pixabay.
These fascinating organisms pump water directly into their bodies using an aquiferous vascular system. They are highly vulnerable to contamination because their capacity to filter toxins and other pollutants is very low.
They die within minutes.
Another danger comes from mass tourism. The shallow and very clear waters where swimmers easily spot starfish are ideal places for photographers, but the practice of removing them from the marine environment for even a short period can prove fatal.
When a tourist, often unaware of the harm, picks up a starfish, poses for a photo, and then returns it, the animal stops gas exchange and dies within minutes. In effect, the starfish may drown due to the interruption of essential breathing processes.
Touching starfish causes significant stress. This can prevent them from returning to their habitat. It may be surprising, but some species can be killed simply by human contact.
There are many kinds of starfish, each with its own colors and patterns, broadening the appeal of these creatures while underscoring the importance of respectful observation.
If coastal waters near tourism hubs contain minerals, sunscreens, insect repellents, and other chemicals, marine life faces additional stress. The impact of these substances on starfish and other echinoderms is a serious concern for local ecosystems.
Starfish should not be touched or removed from the water, even briefly. A likely outcome from such actions is injury or death for the animal.
Any photo shared on social networks that shows these echinoderms out of the water should be avoided, and it is helpful to report such images to discourage harmful behavior.
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Contact about environmental matters should be directed to appropriate agencies following official channels. Official guidance and reporting procedures are available through recognized environmental authorities and regional departments of ecology and fisheries.