Common name : Crown of thorns starfish
Scientific name : Acanthaster planci
Family : Acanthasteridae
Native to : Indo-Pacific Ocean
Interesting fact : The stomach of this starfish secretes digestive enzymes to absorb nutrientsfrom liquefied coral.
Conservation status : Not Evaluated
The crown of thorns is a starfish with many arms and venomous spines covering its surface. It is one of the largest sea stars growing up to 25-35 cm with up to 21 arms. Its unique diet is made of hard reef coral polyps. Breeding in early to mid-summer, it reproduces by spawning, releasing gametes into the sea water. Its lifespan is 16 years.
