AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Acanthaster planci
Crown-of-thorns starfish
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) is a large echinoderm known as one of the world’s primary coral predators. It is covered in long, venomous spines and can have up to 21 arms. It is famous for population outbreaks that can devastate entire reef ecosystems.
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Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Echinodermata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Asteroidea
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Valvatida
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Acanthasteridae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Acanthaster
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Linnaeus, 1758)
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It inhabits exclusively tropical and subtropical coral reefs, preferring areas with a high density of hard corals (scleractinians) on which it exclusively feeds.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Primarily nocturnal species that spends the day hidden in reef crevices. It becomes very active at night, climbing onto coral colonies to feed.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary at normal densities. However, during population outbreaks, thousands of individuals group together, devouring corals en masse.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Obligate corallivore. It feeds almost one hundred percent on the living tissue of hard scleractinian corals.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
It is a macro-predator of live coral polyps. Its larvae are consumed by filter-feeding fish, while adults are only hunted by the triton trumpet snail, pufferfish, and triggerfish.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Reproduces via broadcast spawning. Individuals position themselves on elevated reef points and simultaneously release millions of gametes into the water for external fertilization.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
25.0 - 80.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
500 g - 3.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1000000 - 50000000
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
2 - 3 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
1 - 2
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males15 - 30 Years
Females15 - 30 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Venomous spines: Its upper surface is covered with stiff spines containing saponins, a venom that causes acute pain, swelling, and nausea in its attackers.
Stomach eversion: It digests coral externally by pushing its stomach out through its mouth and secreting digestive enzymes directly onto the polyps.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Loss of predators: Systematic overfishing of the giant triton snail (its main natural predator) has facilitated its destructive outbreaks.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
High regeneration capacity: It can regenerate lost arms and even a large part of its body as long as a portion of its central disc remains intact.