Is the crown-of-thorns starfish dangerous to humans?

Yes. Its spines carry potent toxins that can cause severe pain and, in rare cases, life-threatening anaphylactic shock if a person is stung.

Why is the crown-of-thorns starfish a problem for coral reefs?

It feeds on coral polyps, and periodic population outbreaks can strip large areas of reef bare, though at normal, lower densities it preferentially eats fast-growing corals and may help sustain reef diversity.

How long does a crown-of-thorns starfish live?

Its lifespan is estimated at around 6-8 years.

Crown-of-thorns Starfishオニヒトデ

Acanthaster planciLC— Least Concern

The crown-of-thorns starfish is a large, venomous-spined coral predator whose population outbreaks can devastate Indo-Pacific reefs, even though at normal densities its preference for fast-growing corals may actually help maintain reef diversity.

Crown-of-thorns Starfish (reference photo) — Photo: Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification: Valvatida / Acanthasteridae Source
Distribution: Inhabits coral reefs, found mainly across Japan's Nansei Islands; larvae carried by the Kuroshio Current occasionally reach as far as Honshu, including Wakayama, Mie, Aichi, and Tokyo prefectures. Source

Did You Know?

Its spines contain potent toxins, mainly plancitoxin I and II, and stings can cause severe pain and anaphylactic shock; fatalities have been reported. Source
Because it preferentially eats fast-growing coral species, at moderate population levels it is thought to help maintain coral reef diversity. Source

Where to See This Species

0 facilities · 0 individuals

Verified individual animals and facilities will be added as official information becomes available.

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

IUCNではLCです。サンゴ礁への局地的な影響を把握し、発生状況を管理します。

Habitat

インド太平洋のサンゴ礁。

Threats

サンゴ礁の劣化
海水温上昇
沿岸からの栄養塩流入

Conservation & Breeding Efforts

サンゴ礁の監視
局地的な個体数管理
流域からの負荷低減

Sources

en.wikipedia.org

Support Conservation

A visit is a small, positive way to support the daily lives of the animals you care about.

Visit: A visit itself helps support the facility.
Animal Supporter Programs & Giving: Find ways to support the facility through its official website.

FAQ

Is the crown-of-thorns starfish dangerous to humans?: Yes. Its spines carry potent toxins that can cause severe pain and, in rare cases, life-threatening anaphylactic shock if a person is stung. Source
Why is the crown-of-thorns starfish a problem for coral reefs?: It feeds on coral polyps, and periodic population outbreaks can strip large areas of reef bare, though at normal, lower densities it preferentially eats fast-growing corals and may help sustain reef diversity. Source
How long does a crown-of-thorns starfish live?: Its lifespan is estimated at around 6-8 years. Source

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org