User:Jnstegenga9/The Blue Spotted Starfish

Blue Spotted Starfish

Reproduction

The Blue Spotted Starfish can have up to 4 offspring per year, though most often at least two die in every litter (See references for more details) The average lifespan is 4 1/2 years in length, though the longest recorded lifespan of this starfish is 8 years.

Distribution

The Blue Spotted Starfish lives off the coast of Western Africa, ranging all the way from Freetown, Sierra Leone to Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire. The small distribution is due to a high tolerance for warm water, and a need for a certain cleanliness of the water which is found mainly in that area because of the low amount of water turbulence in that area.

Predatory Instinct

Though the starfish is a slow eater, it contains a deadly neurotoxin, which it releases in the water within a small radius around it. Any small fish nearby fall victim to this toxin. This toxin is almost the exact same as found in most land and sea snakes, though in snakes it is known as venom because it is injected.

Appearance

The Blue Spotted Starfish is much like its name describes. There are large, vibrant spots on its upper face surrounded by a dark orange. This starfish has five legs or tentacles and can grow up to the size of an adult hand.