How do starfish eat without a mouth on their surface?

Starfish eat by extending their stomachs out through their mouths, located on their underside. They secrete digestive enzymes onto their prey, typically bivalves like clams, and absorb the liquefied nutrients. This external digestion allows them to consume prey larger than their mouths. Once the meal is digested, the stomach retracts back into their body, completing the process. This unique feeding strategy is vital for their survival in marine ecosystems.