Notes on the Crown of Thorns Starfish; its Distribution in Papua and New Guinea (Echinodermata: Asteroidea: Acanthasteridae).

Abstract

The crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci, until recently regarded as a rare nocturnal marine animal, is now menacing the reef-building corals in many lndo-West Pacific areas. Notes on the taxonomy, distribution, habitat, feeding, movement, breeding, growth rate and age at maturity, natural enemies and regeneration are discussed and current methods of control are outlined.