The seas of Russia – Black, White and Japan are characterised by lower temperature and salinity. There are no coral reefs here, and fishes, living in these seas are not so bright. However, many interesting species of animals, including sea stars and anemones are found here.

The sea stars (ASTEROIDEA) are predatory relatives of sea urchins (both of them are echinoderms). Different species of stars have a different number of rays. The high ability to regenerate is a typical feature of sea stars: the whole animal can develop from a single ray. The sea stars move with the help of small tube feet filled with water.

Two species of sea stars – Patiria pectinifera and Asterias amurensis are common for the sea of Japan. They are successfully kept in exposition aquariums for several years.