Species · GBIF taxon 2271961
Leather Star
Dermasterias imbricataAlso known as Garlic Star, Garlic Cookie
Leather stars glide over rocky reefs and tide pools, easily recognized by their smooth, slippery, leather-like skin and a distinct aroma of garlic or sulfur. Unlike most sea stars with rough, spiny surfaces, their skin is covered in a thick mucus layer that deters parasites and predators. They are active predators of sea anemones, which release from the rocks and swim away in a dramatic escape response when touched by this star.
IntertidalMarineScented
- diet
- Carnivorous (sea anemones, sea cucumbers, sponges, bryozoans)
- family
- Asteropseidae
- threats
- Sea star wasting disease, ocean warming, and habitat degradation
- life Span
- Up to 20 years
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Smell gently: Sniffing the star closely reveals a strong, characteristic scent of garlic or sulfur.
- Do not pry: Avoid pulling them off rocks, as this can tear their delicate tube feet.
- Watch for reactions: Look for nearby anemones detaching and swimming away to escape the star's chemical signature.