Leather Star
ExploreAnimal
Leather Star
dermasterias imbricata
The Leather Star (Dermasterias imbricata) is a fascinating and easily recognizable sea star native to the rocky coasts of the eastern Pacific Ocean. Unlike many of its rough or spiny relatives, this species gets its name from its exceptionally smooth, leathery texture. When handled or exposed to air, the Leather Star is famous for emitting a strong, pungent odor reminiscent of garlic or sulfur. This unique chemical defense mechanism helps deter predators in the highly competitive intertidal and subtidal zones. Typically found clinging to rocky substrates, this unhurried predator plays a crucial role in regulating populations of benthic invertebrates, particularly sea anemones and sea cucumbers. Its presence is a strong indicator of a healthy kelp forest or rocky reef ecosystem. Whether encountered by tide-poolers at low tide or divers exploring deeper kelp beds, the Leather Star stands out as a unique and ecologically vital member of the marine community.
Habitat: Found along rocky coastal shorelines, often inhabiting shallow intertidal zones, tide pools, and kelp forests.
Appearance
The Leather Star has a broad central disk with five relatively short, triangular arms that taper to blunt tips. Its aboral (top) surface is smooth to the touch, feeling like wet leather due to a thick, fleshy layer of tissue covering its internal skeletal plates. The coloration is characteristically mottled, usually featuring a striking mix of grayish-blue, greenish-brown, or pale blue background adorned with reddish-orange, brown, or purplish irregular patches. The madreporite, or water pore, is visible as a small, distinct, off-center circle on the top of its central disk.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumEchinodermataClassAsteroideaOrderValvatidaFamilyAsteropseidaeGenusDermasterias
Category
AnimalRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It doesn't swallow its prey whole; instead, it pushes its stomach out of its mouth to digest food outside of its body.
Sea anemones can sense the chemical trail of an approaching Leather Star and will detach from their rocks to drift away and escape.
Unlike many other starfish that feel rough and spiny, its body is covered in a thick, fleshy skin that feels exactly like wet leather.
When disturbed or taken out of the water, the Leather Star smells strongly of garlic and sulfur.
Special abilities
Ability
Garlic Odor Defense
Secretes a distinct, garlic-like or sulfurous scent when disturbed or removed from the water, which acts as a chemical deterrent against predators.
Ability
Stomach Eversion
Like many sea stars, it can expel its stomach out of its mouth to externally digest prey, allowing it to consume organisms larger than its oral opening.
Ability
Leathery Epidermis
Possesses a uniquely thick, smooth layer of tissue over its internal calcareous plates, protecting it from desiccation and making it difficult for certain predators to grip.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 15-30 cm
- Weight
- 0.1-0.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-15 years
Diet & Feeding
The Leather Star is a slow-moving benthic predator that specializes in feeding on various sessile and slow-moving marine invertebrates.
Age differences: Juveniles consume smaller organisms and biofilms, transitioning to larger invertebrates like anemones as they grow.
Primary Foods
- Sea anemones
- Sea cucumbers
- Sponges
- Sea pens
- Tunicates
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
hunts
Aggregating Anemone
Anthopleura elegantissima
Leather Stars frequently prey upon these abundant, intertidal anemones, which sometimes detach and float away in response to the star's chemical trail.
eaten by
Morning Sun Star
Solaster dawsoni
Morning Sun Stars are aggressive apex predators in the sea star world and will actively hunt and consume Leather Stars.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Leather Star?
The easiest way to identify Leather Star is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Leather Star?
15-30 cm
How much does Leather Star weigh?
0.1-0.5 kg
How long does Leather Star live?
5-15 years
What does Leather Star eat?
The Leather Star is a slow-moving benthic predator that specializes in feeding on various sessile and slow-moving marine invertebrates.
Where is Leather Star usually found?
Found along rocky coastal shorelines, often inhabiting shallow intertidal zones, tide pools, and kelp forests.
How does Leather Star hunt?
Foraging
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Park23 sightings12 species
US
Guard Island Light
You might spot Salal, Ochre Sea Star, and Leather Star.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
Washington, US
Lower Cushman Dam
You might spot Barrow's Goldeneye and Pacific Banana Slug.
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Park99 sightings10 species
British Columbia, CA
Sandwell Provincial Park
You might spot Ochre Sea Star, Fringe Cups, and Moonglow Anemone.
View guide →
Aquarium22 sightings8 species
British Columbia, CA
Jedediah Island Marine Provincial Park
You might spot Sheep, Leather Star, and Ochre Sea Star.
View guide →
Park18 sightings7 species
British Columbia, CA
Saltery Bay Provincial Park
You might spot Ochre Sea Star and Yellow Shore Crab.
View guide →
Park14 sightings3 species
British Columbia, CA
Say Nuth Khaw Yum Provincial Park
You might spot Salal, Red Huckleberry, and Leather Star.
View guide →
