Acanthaster planci

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Acanthaster planci

• Crown-of-Thorns Starfish

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Biological Classification

• Domain
• Kingdom
• Phylum
• Class
• Order
• Family
• Genus
• Species

Eukaryota Animalia Echinodermata Asteroidea
(sea stars) Valvatida Acanthasteridae Acant
haster (2 species) Acanthaster planci
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Echinodermata

• Characteristics
• Bilateral symmetry as larvae
• Pentaradial symmetry as adults
• Spiny/bumpy endoskeleton
• Water vascular system
• Tube feet

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Asteroidea

• Characteristics
• up to 50 arms
• tube feet protrude from the oral surface
• Multi-directional movement
• endoskeleton made up of calcium carbonate plates
• Pedicellariae

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Crown-of-Thorns

• Flattened sea star
• Large central disk
• 7-23 arms
• Elongated spines
• Multi-colors

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Crown-of-Thorns
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Anatomy
In the aboral surface - anus - madreporite(s)
In the arms - ambulacral grooves - spines -
podium (feet) - digestive glands
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Distribution Habitat
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Reproduction
Sexual reproduction
A female can release up to 60 million eggs in one
season
No asexual reproduction
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Regeneration
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Life Cycle
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Life Cycle
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Life Cycle
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Life Cycle
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Life Cycle
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Life Cycle
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Predators
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Predators
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The Great Barrier Reef
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The Great Barrier Reef
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World Heritage Criteria

• being an outstanding example representing a major
  stage of the earths evolutionary history

• being an outstanding example representing
  significant ongoing geological processes,
  biological evolution and man's interaction with
  his natural environment

• containing unique, rare and superlative natural
  phenomena, formations and features and areas of
  exceptional natural beauty and

• Providing habitats where populations of rare and
  endangered species of plants and animals still
  survive

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Outbreaks
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Effects of Outbreaks
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OUTBREAKS
Recorded Outbreaks 1962 1976 1979
1981 1993 - date
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Monitoring
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Monitoring
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Effects of Outbreaks
1979 1991 Outbreak
ON AVERAGE the last outbreak episode caused a
3.4 fold increase in the amount of dead coral
than normal
57 of all outbreak reefs lost 30-50 of their
coral
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Causes of Outbreaks

• Natural phenomenon?
• Female ability to produce 60 million eggs
• Have outbreaks been ocurring for 3000-7000
  years?
• Are human activities responsible for the
  worsening/increased frequency of outbreaks?

OR
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Current Policy

• No large-scale interference
• Close monitoring through three major programs

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Summary
outbreaks can cause significant disturbance to
coral reefs over a wide geographic area despite
considerable scientific research, the cause of
outbreaks and the role of human activities as a
causal factor are unknown. Consequently
management activities are confined to accurately
assessing the current extent and intensity of the
outbreak, and to providing advice on
crown-of-thorns starfish control measures for
particular sites.
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For more information and regular updates
visitwww.gbrmpa.gov.auand look for State of
the Reef Report updates
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Other Sourceswww.reef.crc.org.auwww.aims.gov.au