Researchers have identified the mysterious killer sea stars

Scientists have identified the cause of the mass die-off of sea stars over the past decade: a bacterial cousin of cholera called Vibrio pectenicida. This bacterium is responsible for the sea star wasting disease, which caused billions of sea stars to decay and melt before dying.

What Are Sea Stars?

Sea stars, commonly known as starfish, are marine animals, but they are not fish. They lack gills, scales, and fins. Instead of blood, they use a ‘water vascular system’ to pump seawater and nutrients through their bodies.

• Movement and Feeding: Sea stars move using up to 15,000 tiny tube feet on their undersides. These tube feet also help them to hold onto their prey. Adult sunflower sea stars, for example, can move at a speed of one meter per minute.
• Unique Biology: Sea stars belong to a group of animals called echinoderms, along with sea urchins and sea cucumbers. A key characteristic of echinoderms is five-point radial symmetry, though some sea star species can have up to 40 arms. They also have an extraordinary ability to regenerate a lost arm.

(Sources: Live Science and NOAA)