Acanthaster planci (crown-of-thorns starfish)

Acanthaster planci, commonly known as the crown-of-thorns starfish, is a large, spiny marine creature found in Indo-Pacific coral reefs. It has a distinctive appearance, with long, thorny arms and a striking color pattern. While it plays a role in the reef ecosystem by consuming coral polyps, outbreaks can lead to significant coral damage, posing a threat to reef health. Factors like nutrient pollution, overfishing of its natural predators, and climate change have contributed to these outbreaks, making it a focal point of marine conservation efforts. Understanding its impact is crucial for coral reef preservation.