| Shellfish and Mollusks | Echinoderms | Sessiles | Organic and Decomposing Matter | Miscellaneous | Crustaceans |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clams | Sand Dollars | Coral | Organic Matter | Dead Fish | Small Crabs |
| Mussels | Sea Urchins | Sponges | Detritus | Worms | Shrimp |
| Oysters | Sea Cucumbers | Barnacles | Plankton | ||
| Sea Snails | Algae |
Image by NOAA Ocean Explorer on Flickr
When a starfish finds its food, like a clam or mussel, it uses its tube feet to open the shell a little bit. Then, the starfish does something really unique-it pushes its stomach out of its mouth and into the shell! The stomach releases juices that turn the clam into a liquid. The starfish then pulls its stomach back in, along with the liquid food, and nutrients that come along with it.