Not all starfish spines are spiky. These purple spines of Evasterias retifera (below) in a field of orange papulae are low and stubby with lovely white notches.

Meghan Bartels is a science journalist based in New York City who covers the science happening on the surface of Earth. She can be reached via email. Giant, spiky starfish have been eating away at ...

Starfish are echinoderms, a form of invertebrate marine animals known for radial symmetry and having spiny skin. Researchers said most animal species have similar genetic structures, prompting ...

A slimy substance, secreted by starfish, may be the key to treating inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and asthma in the future, according to a new study out of Scotland. Researchers from ...

The crown-of-thorns starfish is responsible for 40% of the loss of coral reef Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

A spiny starfish nestled on a reef. The marine creature has a slimy surface to stop debris from sticking. Scientists think they could use this feature to stop blood vessels from clogging.

Fisherman hauls in starfish with eight legs instead of five. By DAILY MAIL REPORTER Updated: 20:58 EDT, ... Stan is a spiny starfish, one of several species found in British waters.

Like today's starfish and sea urchins and brittle stars, the animal was a true member of the ancient phylum "Echinodermata," meaning "spiny skinned," with rows of small plates made of calcium ...