Acanthaster mauritiensis

(de Loriol, 1885)

Vernacular names
English : Crown of thorns starfish
French : Etoile de mer épineuse

Classification
Class : Asteroidea
Order : Valvatida
Family : Acanthasteridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to an armspan of nearly 60 cm. Up to 23 arms. Arm are thick and short, covered in spines getting bigger toward tip. Domed body covered in spines. Coloration from very light blue to dark reddish-brown with arms clearer.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the southern parts of the Indian Ocean, from East African coasts to Cocos Keeling Islands. Lives in coral reefs, mostly in shallow and protected areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species’ status has yet to be assessed. This species was considered synonym of A. planci. Probably common in suitable habitat for now.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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