Why You Should Never Pick Up a Starfish for a Photo

Have you ever been walking along the shore, spotted a starfish, and felt the irresistible urge to pick it up for a quick selfie? You’re not alone. Many of us have done it, thinking it’s harmless fun. But here’s the truth: lifting a starfish out of the water - even for just a few seconds - can be incredibly stressful, and even deadly, for these fascinating creatures.

How Starfish Breathe: More Than Meets the Eye

Starfish don’t have lungs or gills like fish. Instead, they breathe through tiny structures called papules, also known as dermal gills, which cover their entire body. These papules act like hundreds of miniature noses, constantly exchanging carbon dioxide for oxygen between the starfish’s internal fluids and the surrounding seawater.

When a starfish is out of the water, this delicate process grinds to a halt. Without water flowing over their papules, they can’t get the oxygen they need. It’s like trying to breathe with your nose and mouth covered - except for a starfish, it’s happening all over their body, not just in one spot.

What Happens When a Starfish Is Lifted?

Imagine being held underwater, unable to breathe, and then being pulled out just as you’re about to pass out. That’s what it feels like for a starfish when it’s lifted for a photo. The build-up of carbon dioxide in their system is toxic, and they can’t “hold their breath” like we can. Even a few seconds out of water can cause significant stress.

• Starfish can’t survive in fresh air - they need seawater to breathe.
• Repeated exposure to air can lead to drowning or death from stress.
• They may appear fine at first, but internal damage can be severe.

Why It Matters: More Than Just a Photo

Starfish are not playthings. They’re vital members of marine ecosystems, helping to keep populations of mollusks and other invertebrates in check. When we disturb them for the sake of a social media post, we’re not just risking their lives - we’re disrupting the balance of the ocean floor.

And let’s be honest: most of us didn’t know this was harmful. We’ve all been guilty of it at some point. But now that we know better, we can do better.

A Call to Action: Be a Responsible Tourist and Guide

If you’re a tourist, please resist the urge to pick up a starfish. Admire them from a distance, take photos while they’re in their natural environment, and let them live their best life on the seafloor.

If you’re a guide, please make your clients aware of this. A simple reminder can go a long way in protecting these incredible creatures.

• Observe starfish in their natural habitat - don’t remove them from the water.
• Encourage others to do the same.
• Share this knowledge to help protect marine life.

Final Thoughts: Respect the Ocean’s Wonders

The ocean is full of wonders, and starfish are among the most iconic. Let’s make sure our admiration doesn’t come at their expense. By treating them with respect, we help ensure that future generations can enjoy these amazing creatures - alive, healthy, and thriving in their natural home.

So next time you see a starfish, take a moment to appreciate its beauty from afar. After all, the best photos are the ones that don’t cost a creature its life.