A starfish can turn its stomach inside out

A Starfish Can Turn Its Stomach Inside Out

Starfish, also known as sea stars, belong to a fascinating group of marine animals known as echinoderms. These peculiar creatures have some incredible abilities, one of which is the unique ability to turn their stomachs inside out. This process, called evisceration, may sound strange and somewhat gruesome, but it serves a crucial purpose for the starfish’s survival.

So, how exactly does a starfish manage to turn its stomach inside out? It starts with the starfish locating its prey, often consisting of clams, oysters, and other bivalves. Once the starfish has found its tasty meal, it uses its powerful tube feet to pry open the shell of its prey. However, the prey’s soft body remains protected inside their shell. This is where the unique ability of the starfish comes into play.

Instead of squeezing its body inside the narrow opening of the bivalve shell, the starfish extends its stomach out through its mouth and wraps it around the shell. The starfish’s stomach is connected to its mouth by a long muscular tube called the esophagus. By pushing its stomach out of its body, the starfish can secrete digestive enzymes onto the prey, essentially dissolving it while it is still inside the protective shell.

As the prey’s tissues break down, the starfish retracts its stomach back into its body, carrying the partially digested meal with it. The starfish then finishes the digestion process inside its own body, absorbing the nutrients from the dissolved prey. This unique feeding method allows the starfish to target and consume food that may be otherwise unreachable.

Evisceration doesn’t solely serve the purpose of feeding for starfish. They also resort to this process as a defense mechanism. When a starfish encounters a predator and feels threatened, it has the astonishing ability to expel some of its internal organs, which includes its stomach. The expelled stomach then coils around the predator, delivering a substance that can deter or weaken the attacker. This act of self-mutilation allows the starfish to escape from potential harm and regrow its lost organs later.

In conclusion, starfish possess an astonishing ability to turn their stomachs inside out. This unique process, known as evisceration, allows them to feed on prey that would otherwise be inaccessible and play a crucial role in their defense against predators. From feeding to self-defense, the starfish’s ability to manipulate its stomach is truly remarkable, showcasing the incredible adaptations found in the diverse inhabitants of our oceans.

Source: ThoughtCo - Starfish Anatomy