Description
Asterias or Pisaster sp. Dive into the anatomical characteristics of echinoderms with a preserved starfish dissection! Explore the sea star’s radial symmetry, spines, water vascular system, endoskeleton, tube feet, and more during this hands-on activity. Students will connect structure and function as they examine the external and internal anatomy of this marine specimen.
Preserved starfish are appropriate for elementary school general science classes up into college-level comparative anatomy courses.
Product Features
- No color injection – ideal for general anatomical studies
- Soaked in Carosafe®, then multiple specimens are bulk packed and shipped in a vacuum-sealed bag
- Prices listed are for 1 specimen
Carosafe®
Carosafe® preservative and holding solution for biological specimens contains no formaldehyde and is not a tissue fixative. Most Carosafe® specimens were first preserved with a formalin solution and then washed before placement in Carosafe®. Specimens are held in Carosafe® prior to shipment, producing formalin-preserved specimens that, when dissected, minimize formaldehyde exposure.
Important Notice
The supply of dissectible starfish specimens is limited due to a decline in natural populations of starfish, which has been attributed to sea star wasting disease. This disease, thought to be caused by a virus, has decimated populations of starfish along the East and West Coasts of the US. Future availability is uncertain at this time, as population recovery of these keystone species is critical.