What is starfish sexually?

Starfish reproduce sexually through spawning, where the male and female release their gametes (eggs and sperm) into the water. Fertilization occurs externally, and the resulting larvae eventually settle on the ocean floor and develop into adult starfish.

Starfish are capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction. Some species can regenerate lost body parts and reproduce through fragmentation, where a portion of a starfish's body can grow into a new individual.

Starfish are usually either male or female, but some species are hermaphrodites, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. Hermaphroditic starfish can self-fertilize, but usually prefer to mate with another individual.

The timing of reproduction varies among starfish species, with some breeding throughout the year and others having specific breeding seasons. Environmental factors, such as water temperature and food availability, can influence the reproductive behaviors of starfish.