Starfish: The Sparkling Residents of the Ocean

Starfish, with their distinctive star shape and vibrant colors, are among the most fascinating marine creatures. They belong to the phylum Echinoderm, the same group as sea urchins and sea cucumbers, and possess many unique features that make them stand out in the marine world.

Starfish do not have a complete body.

• Shape: Starfish have a flat star-shaped body, usually with 5 arms radiating from a central disc. The number of arms can vary depending on the species, ranging from 4 to 50. In other species, the head is clearly visible, but with starfish it is difficult to recognize. The reason is that starfish have 5 identical arms with a layer of small legs underneath that can help this sea creature move.

• Echinoderm: The body surface of starfish is covered with small spines, which protect them from predators and aid in movement.

• Mouth: The starfish's mouth is located on the underside, right in the center of the disc.

• Tube feet: Each starfish arm has hundreds of tiny tube feet, which are used for moving, sticking, sensing the environment, and grabbing food. And what has puzzled naturalists is determining where the starfish's head is.
• Head : New genetic research suggests that starfish are creatures with heads, without bodies or tails, and that they likely lost these features during evolution. The researchers also say that fossils of starfish ancestors were not as they are today, as they had complete heads and bodies, which has huge evolutionary implications based on the new findings about the species.

Biological capabilities of starfish

• Regeneration: Starfish have an incredible ability to regenerate. They can regenerate entire wings or even lost body parts.
• Movement: Starfish move using a hydraulic tube foot system. Water is pumped in and out of the tube feet, creating a thrust that helps them move across the sea floor.
• Diet: Starfish are carnivorous, with a varied diet that includes mollusks, crustaceans, corals, and even other starfish.
• Reproduction: Starfish reproduce sexually, releasing eggs and sperm into the seawater. The eggs hatch into free-floating larvae before developing into adult starfish.

The role of starfish in the ecosystem

• Population control: Starfish play an important role in controlling the populations of other invertebrates, helping to maintain ecological balance.
• Food source: Starfish are a food source for many marine animals, including fish, birds, and mammals.
• Scientific Research: Starfish are used in many scientific studies, due to their regenerative abilities and unique nervous systems. Starfish are fascinating and important creatures in marine ecosystems. With their unique shape, extraordinary biological abilities, and important role in the environment, starfish have always attracted human attention and interest.

Starfish in Nha Trang: Beauty hidden under the blue water

Nha Trang, a beautiful coastal city in Vietnam, is not only famous for its white sand beaches and clear blue water, but also attracts tourists by the diversity of marine life. Among them, starfish is one of the most beloved creatures because of its unique beauty and miraculous biological abilities.

In Nha Trang, visitors can see starfish at:

• Hon Mun: Hon Mun, the most famous marine reserve in Nha Trang, is home to many species of starfish with vibrant colors such as yellow, orange, red, and purple. Visitors can join a diving tour to explore the colorful world under the ocean floor and see the starfish sparkling in the clear blue water.
• Bai Dai: Bai Dai, with its long stretch of white sand and calm waters, is also a place where starfish can be found. Although not as abundant as Hon Mun, visitors still have the opportunity to encounter small, pretty starfish on the sand or in coastal coral reefs.
• Sao Beach: Sao Beach, located about 20km from Nha Trang city center, is famous for its wild and poetic beauty. Starfish can also be found here, although not as numerous as Hon Mun or Bai Dai.

Notes when watching starfish:

• Observe without touching: Starfish are living creatures, so visitors should only observe without touching them. Touching can injure starfish and affect their habitat.

• Do not bring starfish to shore: Starfish need to live in seawater. Bringing starfish to shore can cause them to die due to lack of water and oxygen.

• Protect the marine environment: Starfish are an important part of the marine ecosystem. Visitors should contribute to protecting the marine environment by limiting plastic waste, using sunscreen that does not harm corals and participating in marine conservation activities.

Nha Trang Starfish is not only an interesting tourist attraction but also a reminder of the importance of protecting the marine environment. Let's join hands to preserve the beauty of Nha Trang and protect these sparkling starfish!

Starfish Accessories: Celebrating a Journey in the Tropics

The July sunshine is brilliant, Nha Trang is immersed in the blue of the sea and sky. Walking on the smooth white sand, visitors cannot help but be attracted by the lovely straw bags decorated with rustic starfish.

Straw bags - a familiar item of the coastal people, have now become a unique souvenir, bearing the mark of Nha Trang. Each regular, meticulous weaving line of the artisan's hand creates a rustic, simple bag. Natural straw material brings a feeling of closeness, friendliness to the environment, suitable for hot summer days. Each star with its unique shape and color, symbolizes the ocean, for relaxing moments on the sand and beautiful memories of a tropical journey.