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Environment
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Reproduction
A common starfish raised on its arms and releasing eggs
and sperms into the water.
The starfish usually becames sexually mature at about 12-14 months, but
it is commonly size that dictates maturity. Mating mainly takes place
between May and June (water temp. about 8 °C) when the whole population
are at the same depth and like an epidemic, release their eggs and sperms
into the water. Individuals stand up on their arms, even climbing up on
rocks and algae to be as high as possible. A large female can yield as
many as 2,5 miljoner eggs during a 2 hour period. During June and July
large numbers of starfish larvae can be found in the water. When the larvae
reach a length of about 2 mm, a young starfish developes at the end of
the larvae.
A starfish ejecting eggs or
sperm.
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