Animal Facts daily fact newsletter

October 20, 2026 Fact of the Day Across Species Starfish pump seawater through their veins instead of blood. By Bennett Kleinman While starfish have plenty of limbs, they’re sorely lacking in other biological departments. For instance, these unique sea creatures don’t have a brain — or even blood. Instead, starfish are able to move, breathe, and feed thanks to the life-sustaining seawater coursing through their veins. Starfish possess what’s called a “water vascular system,” which is also present in other echinoderms such as sea urchins and sea cucumbers. This system is composed of a series of water-filled canals, and as seawater passes through the canals, it delivers nutrients and oxygen to the starfish. The water vascular system also aids in locomotion: As sacs within the system contract, they push fluid into the starfish’s feet, allowing those limbs to elongate and grab onto their surroundings. Are starfish actually fish? Today's Question Three starfish appear on the 1-cent coin of which island nation? Jamaica Fiji The Bahamas Madagascar Keep Exploring Across Species Why Do Some Animals Drink Blood? Reptiles This Animal Shoots Blood Out of Its Eyes Fish How Well Can Sharks Smell Blood? Was this email forwarded to you? Sign Up Advertise Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use 325 North LaSalle Street, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60654 If you'd like to unsubscribe from all Animal Facts emails, click here.