Starfish or sea stars are star-shaped echinoderms belonging to the class Asteroidea. Common usage frequently finds these names being also applied to ophiuroids, which are correctly referred to as brittle stars or “basket stars”. About 1,500 species of starfish occur on the seabed in all the world’s oceans, from the tropics to frigid polar waters. They are found from the intertidal zonedown to abyssal depths, 6,000 m (20,000 ft) below the surface. (Wiki)
Many years ago, in Mauritius with my young children, after visiting an eco-isle, we cooled off in the sea. The three of us swam into a galaxy of starfish, and after an initial shock, but then with the realisation that no harm would be done, we spent time amidst these fascinating animals. Tumbling across our bodies in the current, their suckered pads clung onto us, large and lumpy creatures, but fast moving. It was one of those joint memories the three of us have… “‘Do you remember when the starfish…” and we all wistfully recall that precious moment.
Since I started beach-combing, finding starfish either alive in rock pools or bleached on the shore-line, is a fairly common occurrence. Generally found with 5 arms, on occasion I have found them with 4,6 or more arms. Wonderful to photograph, I do confess to a slight collection gathered from tide-lines around Arabia and Asia….
Travels in the Middle East and beyond 
Swimming with starfish? Sounds amazing
LikeLiked by 1 person
How wonderful – I love the beach too but didn’t think that starfish, such exotic creatures, ventured into the cold murky UK waters – having read your post maybe I’m wrong and I need to look more closely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I could have guessed this one…Great little creatures. Splendid images. Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just dropping in from the A-Z Blogging Challenge to say hi. These pics are amazing, I didn’t realise that starfish were so varied.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sea stars are cool. Somehow I’m not surprised you have a “slight collection”.
Seeing as you mentioned Basket Stars, I thought you might enjoy this post.
LikeLike
How beautiful! Starfish, or sea stars as they try to get us to call them around here, have long been one of those “finds” that always make me giggle and clap my hands like a child. Something extra special about them. We find them often on the beach here, and always help them back into the sea, although I wonder sometimes if there mightn’t be a reason they’ve come to shore and we should leave well enough alone. By the time I’ve thought that, some jogger’s dog is sniffing close by and I decide to err on the sea side of things rather than the dog’s side.
LikeLike
P.S. What a story! Swimming with a, what, pod? Pool? Gaggle of starfish? What an amazing sensation!
LikeLike
Thanks Kathryn Grace.Its a galaxy or constellation of starfish according to some, others a group… Galaxy sounded just right to me! It was a magical experience, especially with small children…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh galaxy, of course! Wonderful.
LikeLike
So stunning!!
LikeLike
Pingback: Mix Plate #26 – Blog of Hammad Rais