How Do Starfish Reproduce? A Detailed Explanation of Their Reproduction Methods
Starfish are the most representative group of echinoderms in terms of structure and physiology, and their reproductive capacity is relatively strong. So do you know how starfish reproduce? Let's take a look below.
1. How do starfish reproduce?
Starfish have a very strong reproductive capacity, and their lifespan can reach 35 years. There are about 1,500 species of starfish worldwide. Most starfish reproduce through external fertilization and do not need to mate. Each arm of a male starfish has a pair of testes, and they release large amounts of sperm into the water. Females likewise release thousands of eggs through the ovaries located on both sides of the arms. The sperm and eggs meet in the water, completing fertilization and forming new life. Larvae, that is, young starfish, hatch from the fertilized eggs.
2. The uses of starfish
Starfish are also a traditional Chinese medicine, which is what we call sea star. It has the effects of calming the mind and soothing the nerves, harmonizing and treating stomach pain, and strengthening the intestines to stop diarrhea. It has a significant effect on regulating human immune function and eliminating disease and strengthening the body. At the same time, because dried starfish has complete nutritional components and high levels of active substances, the nutritional value of starfish is comparable to that of sea cucumber, and it also has health-preserving effects such as anti-thrombotic effects, blood plasma substitute effects, anti-ulcer effects, and kidney-tonifying effects. It is also a good medicine for treating tumors, as it can enhance the body's immune response to tumor cells.
3. What should you do if you get poisoned from eating starfish?
The toxicity of starfish is not great, and it can be treated on its own. If people get poisoned from eating starfish, they can take some norfloxacin orally, as well as berberine, and these two drugs can be used in combination for treatment. Norfloxacin is a Western medicine, and berberine is a traditional Chinese medicine. This combination of Chinese and Western medicines for treating starfish poisoning has a very good effect. However, after taking these drugs, if conditions permit, we should still choose to seek medical treatment immediately and receive a professional diagnosis to reduce the risk of danger. Moreover, after starfish poisoning, diarrhea may occur. Therefore, it is necessary to fast for a period of time, and during this period one must definitely not continue to eat starfish.
There are many kinds of starfish. If you want to eat starfish, it is best to buy them from a legitimate market, as this is safer.