Why do the gonads sometimes appear larger of a starfish?

The gonads of a starfish may appear larger during certain times of the year, particularly during the reproductive season. This enlargement occurs as the gonads become filled with gametes—sperm or eggs—preparing for spawning. Environmental factors such as temperature and food availability can also influence gonadal development and size. Additionally, the cyclical nature of their reproduction can lead to noticeable changes in gonad size throughout their life cycle.