They have bony, calcified skin, which protects them from most predators, and many wear striking colors that camouflage them or scare off potential attackers.

Starfish have developed protective shells and the ability to regenerate lost limbs for safety. They've also evolved structures to easily pry open the shells of their prey, and a digestive system primed to digest much larger prey than you might expect.

Some starfish species have chemical based defenses such as slime (see below), others have bad tasting or toxic chemicals in their body wall, while others have physical deterrents such as spines or armor.

Starfish possess toxins within their bodies as a defense mechanism against potential threats. These toxins serve multiple purposes, including immobilizing prey, deterring predators, and protecting the starfish itself.