Polyacanthus Starfish (Astropecten polyacanthus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Astropecten polyacanthus
- Common name
- Polyacanthus Starfish
- Category
- Echinoderms
- Family
- Astropectinidae
- Genus
- Astropecten
- Size
- 15–30 cm
- Depth
- 5–60 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- sandy-bottom, rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, nocturnal
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea
Description
Astropecten polyacanthus reaches 30 cm. Indo-Pacific burrowing seastar (Astropectinidae). Bright orange-brown, numerous sharp marginal spines. Sand inhabitant 5-60 m. Specialized predator-burrower: engulfs mollusks. Very active nocturnal. Minimally threatened = LC. Observable on coastal reef.
Photo of Polyacanthus Starfish
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Polyacanthus Starfish?
- Polyacanthus Starfish (Astropecten polyacanthus) reaches 15–30 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Polyacanthus Starfish?
- Polyacanthus Starfish is found between 5–60 m deep.
- Is the Polyacanthus Starfish dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Polyacanthus Starfish?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Polyacanthus Starfish?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.
Other species in the genus Astropecten
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 213245)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5186546)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia