havsstjärnan

Havsstjärnan is the Swedish common name for a type of marine invertebrate belonging to the class Asteroidea. These animals are more commonly known in English as starfish or sea stars. Havsstjärnan are characterized by their radial symmetry, typically possessing five arms, though some species can have more. These arms extend from a central disc.

The underside of a havsstjärnan features tube feet, which are small, flexible appendages that can be extended or retracted. These tube feet are used for locomotion, allowing the animal to move across the seabed, and also play a crucial role in feeding. Many species of havsstjärnan are predators, feeding on mollusks like mussels and clams, as well as other invertebrates. They achieve this by using their tube feet to pry open the shells of their prey and then extruding their stomach to digest the food externally.

Havsstjärnan can be found in all the world's oceans, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea. Their coloration varies greatly depending on the species and their environment, ranging from vibrant reds and oranges to more muted browns and purples. Reproduction in havsstjärnan typically occurs through external fertilization, with individuals releasing sperm and eggs into the water. Some species also exhibit remarkable regenerative abilities, capable of regrowing lost arms or even an entire new body from a single detached arm if a portion of the central disc is present.