Did You Know Some of the Coolest Tide Pool Animals Are Actually Safe to Touch? Starfish, green sea anemones, and even the purple shore crab are common beach neighbors you’ll spot up close. Starfish feel surprisingly firm and should only be touched gently with wet hands, while green sea anemones will softly close up when touched, like living jelly. Here’s the shocking part: that reaction isn’t an attack, it’s a defense reflex. And the purple shore crab? Totally safe to lightly touch too. Just be