Starfish (sea star) diet primarily includes which prey?

• A. Algae and detritus
• B. Plankton
• C. Small fish only
• D. Mussels, clams

Answer: (D)

Starfish are carnivorous predators that commonly target sessile mollusks. Their feeding style is well suited to mussels and clams: they use their tube feet to pry shells apart and then evert their stomach to envelop the prey and digest the soft tissue inside. This external digestion lets them access abundant, energy-rich prey on rocky shores. Algae and detritus are eaten by herbivores and detritivores, not by starfish. Plankton feeding isn’t typical for starfish, and while some species may consume small fish, it’s not their main or most reliable food source. Mussels and clams represent the primary, dependable prey for many starfish, making them the best answer.