Starfish are not just slow gliders; they can actually bounce and gallop across surfaces.
In short: While we often picture starfish as slow-moving creatures, marine biologists recently discovered they can exhibit a surprising, high-speed gait. By using their hundreds of independent tube feet, these predators can bounce and gallop across the floor of their environment, a behavior previously undocumented in the history of scientific literature.
The discovery occurred unexpectedly at a laboratory in Tokyo, where researchers Amy Johnson and Olaf Ellers observed starfish moving in a manner that defied their typical, slow-gliding reputation. This observation was so startling that it fundamentally shifted the focus of their ongoing research. Johnson, who teaches marine biology at Bowdoin College in Maine, described the moment as an absolute epiphany that forced a re-evaluation of how these animals navigate their surroundings.
Sea stars have been a fixture on Earth for at least 450 million years, yet this galloping behavior remained hidden from scientific study until recently. These animals are complex predators that hunt a diverse range of prey, including mussels, clams, snails, and sponges, while some species act as scavengers. Their movement and respiration are powered by a water vascular system, with oxygenated water circulating through thin-walled tube feet that also serve as their primary means of locomotion.
Beyond their movement, starfish are biologically fascinating for their radial symmetry, though evidence suggests they may have evolved from bilateral ancestors. While the common image of a starfish features five arms, there is significant variety, with many species possessing more or fewer appendages. The animals also feature a specialized structure known as the sieve plate or madreporite, which acts as a water inlet for their vascular system, highlighting the intricate engineering that allows these creatures to thrive in marine environments.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Ever Seen a Starfish Gallop? | Deep Look
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