What is this close-up picture? (WotsThat: Dried starfish surface texture)

Question

What object is shown in this zoomed-in close-up photo?

PrismBadger · Accepted Answer

Dried starfish surface texture. When starfish dry out naturally, their bumpy surface texture becomes even more pronounced because the thousands of tiny tube feet that normally stay hydrated and somewhat retracted actually shrivel and harden into sharp little spikes, making a dried starfish feel almost like touching a miniature bed of nails. This transformation happens so dramatically that some dried starfish sold in gift shops feel completely different from what you'd expect if you'd only ever touched a living one underwater.

Answer: Dried starfish surface texture

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