Velcro Star Eating a Spotted Ratfish in the Salish Sea

Check out this velcro star with a spotted ratfish locked in a full nelson! SeaDoc Society scientists Joe Gaydos and Cat Lo came across this scene during a research dive in Howe Sound in British Columbia.

Velcro stars have dozens of barbed pinchers surrounding each of their surface spines, almost like tiny fish hooks. When stimulated, they open up like a set of jaws, ready to snap shut the instant they are touched. Unfortunately this ratfish learned that the hard way! Using its tube-feet and rays, it the velcro sea star will slowly transfer the ratfish to the mouth for consumption.