Hello, I'm an expert in marine biology with a focus on echinoderms, which includes starfish. Let's delve into the question of whether starfish are harmful to humans.

Starfish, also known as sea stars, are generally not harmful to humans. They are important members of the marine ecosystem, playing a role in controlling the population of shellfish like mussels and oysters. However, there are a few exceptions and considerations:


1. Allergic Reactions: Some people may have an allergic reaction to touching starfish. This is relatively rare, but it can occur.


2. Venom: Certain species of starfish, such as the blurred starfish (Astropecten scoparius) and the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci), possess venomous spines that can cause pain and irritation if touched. The crown-of-thorns starfish is particularly known for its venomous spines, which can cause severe pain and even lead to more serious symptoms if the venom is injected in large quantities.


3. Invasive Species: In some cases, starfish can become invasive species, disrupting local ecosystems and potentially affecting human activities such as fishing.


4. Handling: If handled improperly, starfish can lose arms or become injured, which is not ideal from a conservation perspective.

In summary, while most starfish are not harmful to humans, it's important to treat all marine life with respect and caution.

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Yes. There are many species of starfish that are poisonous and even deadly to humans. The crown of thorns, the sun star, the spiny sun star and the leather star are some of them. Their spines are the poisonous parts.read more >>