In some cases, the frequency of outbreaks and associated coral mortality is about the same as coral growth and recovery rates. ref COTS may help create space for slow-growing massive corals because COTS prefer to eat the faster-growing corals.
Katika baadhi ya matukio, mzunguko wa milipuko na vifo vinavyohusiana na matumbawe ni sawa na ukuaji wa matumbawe na viwango vya kupona. ref COTS inaweza kusaidia kuunda nafasi kwa matumbawe makubwa yanayokua polepole kwa sababu COTS inapendelea kula matumbawe yanayokua kwa kasi.