How big is the Crown-of-thorns starfish?

Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) reaches 25–70 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Crown-of-thorns starfish?

Crown-of-thorns starfish is found between 0–60 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Crown-of-thorns starfish?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Crown-of-thorns starfish?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Eastern Pacific.

Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci)

Key facts

Scientific name: Acanthaster planci
Common name: Crown-of-thorns starfish
Category: Echinoderms
Family: Acanthasteridae
Genus: Acanthaster
Size: 25–70 cm
Depth: 0–60 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Venomous
Habitats: reef
Behaviours: predator, nocturnal
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Eastern Pacific

Description

Acanthaster planci reaches 70 cm. Large sea star with 7 to 23 arms covered in long sharp spines carrying painful venom. Coral predator: everts its stomach over a polyp to digest it. During outbreaks, populations explode and devastate entire reefs across the Indo-Pacific. Targeted culls practiced on the Great Barrier Reef. Never touch: stings are very painful and potentially septic.

Photo of Crown-of-thorns starfish

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Crown-of-thorns starfish?: Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) reaches 25–70 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Crown-of-thorns starfish?: Crown-of-thorns starfish is found between 0–60 m deep.
Is the Crown-of-thorns starfish dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Venomous.
What is the conservation status of the Crown-of-thorns starfish?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Crown-of-thorns starfish?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Eastern Pacific.

Similar species

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 213289)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2271208)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia