Are Starfish Poisonous? 8 Exciting Facts You Didn’t Know

No, Most species of starfish are not poisonous, except for some nasty ones, such as the crown of thorns(COST) or the sun starfish, which have toxic venom and use their spines for stinging. They are not always harmful, but if accidentally picked up, they can sting swimmers. 

Interestingly, they are found on the ocean floor.

Are Starfish Poisonous to Humans too? Generally, starfish are not harmful to humans, even though their spines may not sting humans unless they pierce the skin.

Venomous starfish emit poison when they feel threatened. The crown-of-thorns starfish is venomous; if its spines pierce the skin, it can cause illness. However, being poisonous means they use it as a defense mechanism against predators.

In short, starfish are not threats to humans. 

Marine biologists suggest not picking up starfish found on shorelines, even though they may appear beautiful and interesting. 

Once, while snorkeling in Hawaiian islands some 2500 off the southwestern coast of North America with my colleague Tim Braune, we encountered a crown of thorns (COTS) starfish during our first scuba adventure in the islands.

It looked beautiful but was covered with hundreds of tiny, razor-sharp venomous spines. It was risky to maneuver, but I used my tripod to coax it from the rocks into our bucket gently and carried it to the shoreline.

We succeeded in bringing it to the surface. It was beautiful but If consider Are Starfish Poisonous? then obviously it was extremely dangerous. Fortunately, we managed to get it off the rocks without being spun.

 It was an unforgettable moment and a reminder of how quickly we got it. After a scientific examination, we returned it to the water. 

For awareness, whenever I visit Siesta Beach, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Panama City Beach, or St. Augustine Beach in Florida with my kids, they ask me Dad are starfish poisonous? I teach them not to disturb these beautiful creatures for the sake of taking pictures for Instagram or snaps. 

Instead, we let them stay in their natural habitat, enjoying their moments.

 Precaution

If any evil sea star bites someone, immediate medical assistance from a qualified professional is necessary. 

They may need to remove the pierced spines, wash the affected area, or receive proper medication because their stings can cause nausea, swelling, and infection that leads to extreme discomfort and extreme pain.

Do Starfish Bite? Plus, Are Starfish Poisonous?

Starfish lack teeth and cannot bite. They possess a mouth opening located at the center of the underside of their bodies( oral side). 

Questions arise about how starfish eat. Does starfish bite? Can starfish bite if I touch them on the seashore when they are engulfing prey?

 Since they don’t have teeth, they can’t bite or chew food like us. Instead, They use their tube feet and digestive enzymes to prey on prey and break down food outside their body by extending their stomach out of their body through the mouth; after breaking down outside, they digest it directly through the mouth; prey include Clams, oysters, or small crustaceans.

So don’t be afraid of its biting. Starfish are not harmful to humans, except the crown-of-thorns (COTS)starfish, which have venomous spines that can cause painful stings.

Can You Touch a Starfish?

Yes, you can touch a starfish, but it’s advised to use protective gloves because starfish have very sharp, poisonous spines. 

If you touch them directly, it can cause physical injury. When coaxing a Crown-of-Thorns starfish (COTS) from a rock in snorkeling or scuba diving, I felt it with my hands but used protective gloves. 

Since we caught the COTS, which is the poisonous starfish.

Most other starfish are not poisonous, but it’s still best not to touch or disturb them in their natural environment.

A 2008 case report published by the Japanese Dermatological Association states that surgeries may be necessary for starfish spike punctures. 

Surgery addresses the subcutaneous indurations and swelling that occur from the injury.

Disclaimer

We engaged in this snorkeling activity for scientific research purposes. Avoid touching them unnecessarily, as it can contaminate them with bacteria, leading to a painful death.

Can Starfish Hurt You?

Yes, some starfish can hurt you. The crown-of-thorns starfish is venomous; its spines can pierce your skin and inject venom.

 This can cause swelling, pain, and discomfort. In most healthy adults, the effects are unpleasant but not severe enough to require medical attention.

 However, a sting could be more serious for people with allergies or weakened immune systems. Starfish don’t attack humans, but they use their venom for defense.

Poisonous Sea Stars Species: Are Starfish Poisonous to Humans Too?

Crown of Thorns (COTS) starfish (Acanthaster planci) and its subspecies, Acanthaster ellisi, possess venomous saponins, including asterosaponins they are poisonous for humans.

The Crown of Thorns starfish is the most poisonous starfish and one of the largest starfish species in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, the Great Barrier Reef, and the west coast of Central America. They can grow over half a meter wide (1.6 feet).

COTS are corallivores that feed on corals, making them a threat to coral reef health. The Great Barrier Reef is indeed at risk from COTS outbreaks.

Are COTS Sea Star Spines Venomous?

Yes, COTS sea star spines are venomous. These sharp, razor-shaped spines, measuring 4 to 5 cm (1.50 to 2 inches) in length, are located on the aboral surface (upper side). 

When they pierce flesh, they inject venom that can cause pain, swelling, nausea, and even muscle paralysis in severe cases. The underside of the starfish is soft and vulnerable.

Symptoms of COTS bite you?

 Symptoms of COTS bites include sharp, stinging pain lasting for many hours when the spines pierce the body. 

The toxins released remain in the wounded area, causing nausea, bleeding, vomiting, and tissue swelling for many hours or more.

 Since the spines are razor-sharp and can break off and become embedded in the skin, surgeries may be necessary to remove them, as reported in a 2008 case published by the Japanese Dermatological Association.

Two main factors affect the severity of a sting from a crown-of-thorns starfish:

The amount of venom injected: 

Crown-of-thorns starfish don’t bite; they sting with their venomous spines. The amount of venom injected depends on the number of spines pierce the skin and the depth of penetration.

The immune system of the stung person

People with weaker immune systems may experience more severe reactions.

If stung by a crown-of-thorns starfish, seek professional medical attention.

The good news is that their venom is rarely fatal to humans; it can cause intense pain, swelling, and inflammation.

How to treat the wound?

If you have ever been stung by COTS and you decided to treat your wound yourself, follow the following steps:

1. Remove any visible spines with sterilized tweezers.

2. Soak the wound in hot water (as hot as tolerable) for 30-90 minutes to help deactivate the venom.

3. Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water.

4. Apply a topical pain reliever like lidocaine cream.

5. If you see any signs of infection, such as (redness, heat, swelling, or pus) directly contact the medical professional for treatment.

Why Crown-of-Thorns Is Poisonous Starfish?

Crown-of-thorns starfish have toxic, razor-sharp spines that are densely packed on their upper surface (aboral side) for defense against predators like fish, giant triton snails, and other marine animals. These spines contain toxins that can cause irritation, pain, and even paralysis upon contact.

Toxins from many marine animals’ spines and other body parts can affect predators, including distress, disorientation, paralysis, or even death.

Non-venomous starfish use other defensive strategies, such as camouflage and regeneration. Starfish can regenerate lost arms, allowing them to escape predators. 

Do Starfish Sting?

Starfish belong to the phylum Echinodermata, including sea urchins and sand dollars. These animals are all covered in spines, but not all are venomous.

Most starfish have short spines that are not poisonous. However, some species, like the Crown-of-Thorns starfish (COTS), have venomous spines that can cause immense pain and swelling if pierced into the skin.

While starfish don’t actively target humans, it’s wise for snorkelers and divers to avoid touching them directly.

Are starfish Dangerous to Humans?

Most starfish are not dangerous to humans. They are slow-moving scavengers and predators and are generally unconcerned with us.

 However, there is one exception: the crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS). It is a dangerous starfish.

While most starfish won’t hurt you, leaving them alone in their natural habitat is best. Their rough bodies can be easily damaged when removed from the water, and sunscreen or oils on our skin can harm them. Additionally, the COTS has venomous spines that can cause painful stings if touched.

Are starfish harmful to humans?

Most starfish are not harmful to humans. They’re more interested in finding food than bothering us. However, there is one exception: the crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS).

Why is it best to avoid handling starfish, especially COTS?

Stress:

 Taking starfish out of the water can stress them out, making them sick.

Damage: 

Their bodies are delicate and can be easily damaged when handled.

Sunscreen: 

Sunscreen and oils on our skin can be harmful to starfish.

COTS venom: 

The COTS has venomous spines that can cause painful stings if you touch them.

In short: 

Leave starfish alone in their habitat.

Are Starfish Poisonous To Dogs?

Most starfish are not directly venomous to humans, but some can contain toxins harmful to dogs.

These toxins are called paralytic shellfish poisons (PSP) and come from algae the starfish eat. While the amount of starfish is usually low, it can still make dogs sick.

 What to be aware of?

Symptoms:

If your dog eats a starfish and experiences drooling, vomiting, difficulty walking, or breathing problems, consult a veterinarian immediately.

While keeping an eye on your dog is important.

Train your dog with treats and positive reinforcement to leave starfish alone.

Remember: Leaving starfish in their natural habitat is best for them and your dog’s safety.

Are Blue Starfish Poisonous?

Blue starfish, Linckia laevigata, aren’t harmful to people. They don’t have sharp things or poison like some other dangerous animals. However, they do have something called saponins, which might irritate your skin if you touch them. But usually, it’s alright and won’t make you seriously sick.

It’s smart to be careful: don’t pick them up, especially if your skin is sensitive, and don’t let them touch your eyes. It’s better to watch starfish where they live without touching them. This helps them stay happy and keeps you safe, too.

Poisonous Starfish In Florida?

The Crown of Thorns (COTS) is a poisonous starfish in Florida. As a marine biologist, I’ve spent most of my life on the beaches, engaging in water adventures where I can swim and snorkel into dangerous waters around two-thirds of its peninsula. Still, I fear COTS. Even though I once successfully coaxed one from a rock, I now avoid disturbing them.

Can Starfish Be Poisonous If Eaten?

Non-venomous species of starfish are consumed as food in Japan and China, where they are considered a traditional snack and deemed safe to eat. However, whether eating starfish is secure depends on various factors. Once, while in Kyoto with my marine engineer friend, we observed Japanese enthusiasts and others consuming starfish & pufferfish, which may be a cultural practice in their region.

Also Read: Decomposers of the Ocean? 06 Important Types Scientifically Explained

FAQs:

Poisonous starfish Australia?

Australia has one notable venomous starfish: the crown-of-thorns starfish

 What does a starfish sting look like?

Ans: Puncture wounds can cause redness, swelling, and intense pain. Itching, numbness, and nausea may occur in severe cases. If you are stung, see a doctor.

Is starfish fungus poisonous?

No, starfish fungus (likely Aseroe rubra) isn’t poisonous to humans, but it’s best to avoid contact. It has a foul odor and unknown effects, and tastier fungi options are available.

Are starfish dangerous?

Most starfish are not a threat to humans. They can’t bite, and their spines aren’t usually harmful. However, the venomous crown-of-thorns starfish can sting if you touch it.

Conclusion

Are starfish poisonous? Most starfish are not poisonous. But watch out for the crown of thorns and sun starfish – they have toxic venom. Even though they usually don’t harm humans, it’s best to be cautious. If you come across one, admire it from afar and don’t pick it up. It’s safer for both you and the starfish!