Crown of Thorns Star Fish - 5 Points

Dr Ciemon Caballes

What is a population outbreak?

A rapid increase in abundance to densities exceeding the carrying capacity of local coral and prey. Results in net coral loss and ecosystem-scale impacts on reef structure and function

What is the highest predator of coral

Crown-of-thorn starfish

When do crown-of-thorn starfish begin to eat corl

Adult their diet shits from being a herbivore to being a carnivore

What are the three drivers of outbreaks hypothesis?

Natural Causes hypothesis, Predator removal, Nutrient Runoff

What is the natural causes hypothesis?

Are predisposed to pronounced fluctuations in population density, due to being able to fertilize at far distances, and high fecundity.

How many eggs can a female starfish produce?

Over 100 million eggs

How much sperm can a male starfish produce?

50 billion sperm

When do crown of thorns starfish reproductively mature?

1-2 years old

What is the predator removal hypothesis?

Overharvesting of predators and trophic cascades triggers from overfishing

What is the main predator of the crown of thorns starfish?

The triton snail other predators are large fish

What is the nutrient runoff hypothesis?

Elevated nutrient levels from river runoff result in increased densities of phytoplankton, which improves the survival and development rate of crown of thorn starfish larvae

What do crown of thorn starfish larvae feed on

Phytoplankton

Is there an evidence link between nutrients and crown of thorn starfish outbreaks?