Echinoderms: Starfish, Sea Urchin and Family

Echinoderms: Starfish, Sea Urchin and Family

Echinoderms are marine animals that live in the ocean. Common echinoderms include the sea star, sea urchin, sand dollar and sea cucumber. Most echinoderms have arms or spines that radiate from the center of their body. The central body contains their organs, and their mouth for feeding.

Sea stars, commonly known as the starfish, have 5 or more arms attached to their body.On the bottom of the Starfish are small tube feet to help with movement and feeding. The starfish's mouth is underneath, and is capable of eating other sea life such as clams and mussels.Another type of echinoderm is the sea urchin. Sea urchins have many spines connected to their body. These spines help to protect them from predators.