Scientists discover 'cookie' starfish which looks just like ravioli

Scientists with the NOAA's Okeanos Explorer study coral and other marine habitats in the Atlantic Ocean. They have reportedly recorded various pasta-shaped starfish but recently they made a number of new observations on a starfish that resembles ravioli. The species is called Plinthaster dentatus and is commonly known as the 'cookie' starfish because of its bulbous shape. The starfish was discovered back in 1884, however, scientists claim to know very little about its function on a day-to-day basis. 

“Among the most important outcomes of these dives, aside from recognizing previously unknown species, are observations of known species in the process of performing their basic day-to-day biology, feeding, spawning, etc. This species’ biology has been largely unknown despite the fact that the species has been known since 1884!”

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The 'Cookie' starfish

The 'cookie' starfish stands out because of the arms and disk which are more of a pentagonal shape. The scientist reportedly says that they found a group of the starfish colliding with a sea urchin which was later to be found feeding on one of the sponges. According to the researchers they have made first-of-their kind discoveries, like the Sthenaster emmae, which was another discovery of a sea star that has only observed previously in dead samples. 

“This species was hypothesized to be a coral predator when I described it, based on fragments found in its gut, but now we have solid evidence of this species feeding on a prismoid octocoral! This was the FIRST time it’s been seen alive!” wrote Chris Mah of the National Museum of Natural History in a blog post. 

Mah claimed there is yet another species of mysterious sea star which is to be identified. He further claimed that the animals is likely in the genus Hymenaster given its translucent skin and unusual body structure. As for the ravioli-like starfish, Mah claims that it is an exciting moment as it is going to be the first time that the scientists will get a chance to study how they interact with their environment and how they eat, reproduce or navigate in their underwater world as the scientist till now just knew virtually nothing about the sea star's biology. 

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