Crown Of Thorns Starfish

Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) grows to over a foot in diameter and has 6 to 23 arms. Crown-of-Thorns feed on living coral polyps, a single starfish can eat as much as 2 to 6 square metres of coral each year.It has been blamed for the destruction of large portions of reefs in Redang island Marine Park.

This Stafish spreads out over a mound of living coral, secretes digestive juices which kills the coral. The Starfish are prolific breeders. Their breeding rate and eating rate contribute to their destructive reputation in the reef.

Every year the Fisheries Department organised Crown-of-Thorns expedition an effort to save reefs from destruction. These starfish should be handled carefully, there are thousand of spines on the Crown-Of-Thorns. The spines are about 2 inches long and they are sharp,mildly venomous and can inflict painful wounds.