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Starfish, also known as sea stars, are marine animals belonging to the class Asteroidea. They are characterized by their radial symmetry and five or more arms that emanate from a central disk-shaped body. Starfish inhabit various regions of the ocean floor, from shallow tide pools to deep-sea environments. They are not fish, despite their name, but invertebrates with a hard, calcified outer skeleton. Starfish have a unique feeding mechanism where they evert their stomach through their mouth and engulf their prey, typically mollusks and other small marine organisms. Their coloration varies widely, including shades of red, orange, yellow, brown, and purple. Starfish play an essential role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems by controlling populations of other sea creatures and contributing to nutrient cycling.