Photo Image Crown Of Thorn Starfish (COTS) Acanthaster planci

CROWN OF THORN STARFISH (COTS)

Acanthaster planci

This species is very common at a couple dive sites at Lembeh Strait. They are found in big groups when they are blooming. Usually they are nocturnal and active at night. They have very venomous spines which cause painful wounds, and their arms regrow very quickly if cut off. They aggressively feed on hard and fast growing coral like Acropora sp. They have different color variations including green, blue and red. They come in in different sizes, and grow up to 50 cm.
Frequency of sightings:
Common
Best time of year:
All Year Round
Divesites seen at:
Aw Shucks, Batu Angus, Serena Besar

Taxonomical order of this critter:
Invertebrate
Echinoderm
Asteroidea
Sea Star
-	Baby watcher
-	Blue sea star
-	Brittle star
-	Crown Of Thorn Starfish (COTS)
-	Granulate sea star
-	Lumpy sea star
-	Pin-cushion sea star