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Dermasterias imbricata
Orange sea star, roughly 6 inches in diameter.
Shallow tide pool at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!
No, they are great to touch! Soft and velvety. The smell doesn't make anyone sick, it is just a great adaptation to talk about!
Thanks kfox! That is so cool!
I'm glad none of the kids nearby decided to touch this sea star.
I used to be a marine biologist on the California Coast and loved these guys. When they get agitated, they send off a smell that is reminiscent of garlic.