Starfish interlock their arms when they are in a spawning aggregation. This results in the synchronized release of gametes by both sexes, with females releasing eggs and males releasing sperm. This is how external fertilization occurs, and it marks the beginning of a starfish’s life cycle. Because there is physical contact but no penetration, this type of mating is known as pseudocopulation.
There is no pregnancy; instead, embryos form and develop in the water. In some species, they will form and develop on the parents’ bodies. As a result, most starfish are oviparous, as embryos form and develop externally.
Starfish reproduce sexually and asexually.
Starfish can reproduce without mating as well. So, how does asexual reproduction work in starfish? Starfish, on the other hand, have the ability to regenerate lost limbs. An arm can become dislodged after being injured in an accident. They also do it when they are being chased by a predator, for example, to keep them entertained while they flee. Later, they begin to reconstruct the missing arm. However, this is an extremely costly process that can take months.
This sea star has lost an arm, which can develop into a new sea star through the asexual fragmentation process.
Some species have the ability to regenerate their entire body from a severed arm. They can only do this if they keep at least one-fifth of their central disc. The body of a tarnish is divided into five equal parts. As a result, they not only have five arms, but their central disc is also pentameric. When the necessary conditions are met, the central disc splits or breaks into two or more parts (up to five), each with its own arm. As a result, if a starfish loses 1/5 of its arm and central disc, it will reproduce. This means that the new individual will be genetically identical to their forefather.
