What are starfish?

 What are starfish?

Starfish, also know as asteroids, are marine animals belonging to the Echinodermata phylum, the same group that includes sea urchins and sea cucumbers. Although they are commonly considered simple for their appearance, these animals have extraordinary adaptations that make them unique.

Contrary to what many people belive, starfish are not fish. They have no scales, no gils, no fins. Their boday usually has five arms (although some species have more), and they move thanks to a system of small tubes at the bottom, which allow them to move slowly on the seabed.

Starfish species in Cancún and the Riviera Maya

The marine wealth of the Mexican Caribbean allows multiple species of starfish to find their home here. These are some of the most common that you can observe on a snorkeling tour:

1. Oreaster reticulatus – Red cushion star

One of the best know and photograped species in the region. It is large with intense colors between red, orange and brown. It lives in sanby bottoms and marine meadows, and feeds on organic matter and small organisms that it finds in the sediment.

Fun fact: This species can reach up to 50 cm in diameter and can live several years if she is not bothered.

2. Astropecten duplicatus – Sand star

A smaller and more agile star, whch is usually partially buried in the sand. It has more dull colors (light brown and grayish) and usually goes unnoticed if it is not observed carefully

Fun fact: This star is carnivorous and feeds on small mollusks and crustaceans.

3. Linckia guildingi – Blue star.

Although les common in Cancún than in other parts of the Caribbean, it has been recored in reef areas near the Riviera Maya. Its vibrant blue color makes it unmistakable.

Fun facts: It has the ability to regenerable lost arms, and even a single arm can generate a whole new star!

4. Astrophyton muricatum – Estrella canasta

This nocturnal species is more common in deep reefs, but occasionally it can be found in snorkeling areas at night or hidden among corals.

Fun fact: His arms branch like a net, and unfold at night to fee don plankton suspended in the water.

Fascinating facts about starfish

They have no brain or blood. Their nervous system is simple, but effective, and instead of blood, water circulates through a vascular system that also helps move.

They breathe through the skin. Though small structures called papules, starfish obtain oxygen directly from the water.

His mouth is at the bottom. And they have the ability to pull the stomach out of their body to digest large foods externally.

They are very sentitive, Although they seem resistant, they are extremely sensitie to temperatura changes, pollution and human contact.

Why is it important to protect them?

Starfish are indicators of the health status of the marine ecoystem. Its disapperance or sudden decrease can mean that there are imbalances in the environment, such as excessive pollution, unregulared tourism or los of biodiversity.

In tourist places like Cancún, many starfish have been negatively affected by human contact. Despite the warnings, many tourist still take them out of the water to take pictures, which can cause them irreversible damage or even death.

Recommendations to protect starfish

 As a snorkel tour operator, you team can be ambassadors of the ocean. Here are some essential recomendations:

Never take them out of the water. Note ven for a few seconds. Starfish breathe through their skin and out of the water they can quickly suffocate.

Avoid touching them. Although they seem harmless, our hands have bacteria and oils that can affect them.

Don’t move them from their place. Many times they are looking for food or hiding of depredators.

Conclusion

Cancún and the Riviera Maya are much more than paradisiacal beaches: they are home to a complex and valuable ecosystem that we must protect. Starfish are symbol of the beauty and fragility of the ocean. Every starfish we leave quiet in its hábitat is a victory for the ocean.

Did you like reading us? Keep the conversation going on social media, share and follow us:

Facebook: Facebook

Instagram: Cancun Snorkeling (@cancunsnorkeling_) • Fotos y videos de Instagram