The crown-of-thorns starfish preys on coral polyps.
Large outbreaks of these starfish can devastate reefs.
In 2000, an outbreak contributed to a loss of 66% of live coral cover on sampled reefs in a study by the RRC (Reefs Research Centre.)
Outbreaks are believed to occur in natural cycles, worsened by poor water quality and overfishing of the starfish's predators.
The crown-of-thorns starfish preys on coral polyps. Large outbreaks of these starfish can devastate reefs. In 2000, an outbreak contributed to a loss of 66% of live coral cover on sampled reefs in a study by the RRC (Reefs Research Centre.) Outbreaks are believed to occur in natural cycles, worsened by poor water quality and overfishing of the starfish's predators.
Great Barrier Reef