Crown-of-thorns Starfish

Crown-of-thorns Starfish
English Common Name:
Crown-of-thorns Starfish
Scientific name
Acanthaster planci
Taxonomy
Order: Spinulosida, Family: Acanthasteridae
Size
Up to 60 cm
Repeated outbreaks of Crown-of-thorns Starfish brought tremendous damage on coral reefs in Indian and the Pacific Oceans. One Crown-of-thorns Starfish can disperse tens of millions of eggs in one year. If the condition was preferable, the size reaches about 20 cm in two years, some can reach up to 60 cm. When humans are stung by the venomous spines of the starfish, the individual will experience an immediate pain and fever. It is very dangerous since nausea and vomiting can happen if the reaction to the poison is severe.
Juvenile starfish: spines do not stand out yet

Juvenile starfish: spines do not stand out yet


※Caution!
Please check hazardous marine life in Okinawa.
Updated June 2017

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