Crown-of-thorns starfish

Biology

The crown-of-thorns starfish is commonly found in shallow coastal areas protected by the reef. It normally ranges in size from 25 to 35 centimetres and bears between eight to 21 arms covered in large, venomous spines. Individual colouration varies from red and orange to purple. As an adult, this asteroid is an opportunistic carnivore, consuming corals, small invertebrates, and dead animals.

Curiosities

A voracious predator of corals, the crown-of-thorns starfish has earned a bad reputation because of its devastating impact on coral reef ecosystems, where and adults can kill up to 478 square centimetres of live coral per day through its grazing activities.