How does a starfish protect itself?

So they use numerous other defense mechanisms to protect themselves. According to the starfish facts gathered by zoologists, certain species of starfishes have a chemical coating in their bodies called saponin. Saponin is a chemical that gives the starfish a very unpleasant taste. read more

Starfish have five arms that form a distinctive star shape radiating out from a central disk. Some starfish have more than five arms. The sun star has 40 arms. Each arm has an eye spot at the end that can sense light and dark. Starfish have a water vascular system, with the water providing structure and a method of propulsion. read more

So, this is the one most people seem to miss, but its probably one of the most important. Most starfish have specific type of organic chemical called SAPONINS in their body wall. Among animals (saponins are also found in plants), saponins are only present in sea cucumbers and starfish. read more