Pronunciation: [sˈiːstɑː] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "SEASTAR" is "SEA STAR". The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /siː/ /stɑː/. The reason for this spelling is that the two words that make up "SEA STAR" have different pronunciations. "SEA" is pronounced with a long "e" sound like "see," while "STAR" is pronounced with a long "a" sound like "car." Together, they create the unique spelling and pronunciation of "SEA STAR."
Seastar, also known as a starfish, is a marine invertebrate belonging to the phylum Echinodermata and the class Asteroidea. It is characterized by its peculiar star-shaped shape, usually having five arms, although certain species may have up to 40 arms. Seastars have a central disc-shaped body with a network of tube feet radiating from it, which they use for locomotion and capturing prey.
These fascinating creatures are found in oceans worldwide, inhabiting various marine ecosystems from the shallow intertidal zones to the deep ocean depths. Seastars exhibit a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes, with arm length varying from a few centimeters to more than a meter in some species.
Seastars are voracious predators, feeding on a diverse diet of mollusks, crustaceans, and even other echinoderms. They capture their prey by gradually enfolding it with their arms, using a specialized structure known as tube feet to manipulate and consume it. Some larger species of seastars can even prey upon small fish.
Another noteworthy trait of seastars is their remarkable regenerative capabilities, as they have the ability to regenerate their arms if they are lost or damaged. Seastars reproduce sexually, with external fertilization taking place in the water column. The fertilized eggs develop into free-swimming larvae before settling on the ocean floor and metamorphosing into juvenile starfish.
Seastars play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, influencing the populations of other organisms and contributing to nutrient cycling. Despite their captivating appearance, seastars are often overlooked due to their relatively stationary nature. However, their immense biodiversity and ecological significance make them a fascinating subject of study in marine biology.
