Facts
Interesting facts:
•There is still debate as to which Order Acanthaster
planci belongs to. Many believe that it should be placed in the
Spinulosida Order because it has elongated spines; however, experts
argue that Acanthaster planci has more morphological features related to
organisms in the Valvatida Order such as clamp-like pedicellariae,
specialized ossicles to increase flexibility, and two rows of tube feet.
•On the coral reefs around the island Moorea, French
Polynesia, an outbreak occurred and was observed by researches. It was
noted that outbreaks originate in confined areas in the exposed base of
the reefs. Eventually, the starfish progressively make their way in
waves of migration to spread across the entire reef system. The
direction of the migration can be followed with intense depletion of
living coral activity. Acanthaster planci can decimate entire
populations of coral in just one sweep of an outbreak showing how
devastating this specimen can be to ecosystems (PLos
One 7[10]).
•Acanthaster planci is one of the largest sea stars species.
•Can grow up to 23 arms.
•It can regenerate lost arms.
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