Acanthaster planci

Acanthaster planci, commonly known as the crown-of-thorns starfish, is a large, spiny marine creature found on coral reefs. It preys on coral as its main food source, often consuming large sections of the reef. While it naturally exists in balanced ecosystems, population outbreaks can cause extensive coral damage, threatening reef health and biodiversity. The starfish’s sharp, venomous spines serve as defense mechanisms, and its feeding activity is a natural part of the reef’s ecological cycle. However, excessive numbers of crown-of-thorns starfish can lead to reef degradation, prompting efforts to manage their populations for reef conservation.