Predators of the Crown of Thorns- Unveiling the Creatures That Feed on These Invading Starfish

What eats crown of thorns? The crown of thorns starfish, also known as Acanthaster planci, is a highly invasive species that poses a significant threat to coral reefs worldwide. As its name suggests, this starfish is characterized by its crown-like arrangement of spines, which can cause severe damage to corals. However, despite its destructive nature, there are several creatures that have evolved to prey on the crown of thorns starfish, helping to control their populations and mitigate the damage they cause to marine ecosystems.

Coral-eating starfish, such as the great starfish (Asterias amurensis) and the spotted starfish (Asterias rubens), are known to feed on the crown of thorns starfish. These starfish have a voracious appetite for coral and can consume large amounts of coral tissue in a short period of time. While they do not specifically target the crown of thorns starfish, their feeding habits can indirectly help control their populations by reducing the amount of coral available for the crown of thorns to consume.

Another predator of the crown of thorns starfish is the sea urchin, which can also feed on coral and the starfish itself. Sea urchins have a tough, spiny exoskeleton that provides protection against the crown of thorns’ venomous spines. By consuming the starfish, sea urchins can help regulate their populations and prevent them from overpopulating and devastating coral reefs.

Fish, such as the blue tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) and the surgeonfish (Acanthurus chirurgus), have also been observed feeding on the crown of thorns starfish. These fish are known to have a varied diet, which includes coral, algae, and even the spines of the crown of thorns starfish. While they may not consume the starfish in large quantities, their feeding habits can still contribute to the control of their populations.

In addition to these predators, natural predators such as octopuses and sea turtles have also been known to prey on the crown of thorns starfish. These predators have evolved to handle the venomous spines and can consume the starfish as a food source. Their predation can help maintain a balance in the marine ecosystem and prevent the crown of thorns starfish from becoming too abundant.

Finally, it is important to note that human intervention can also play a role in controlling the populations of the crown of thorns starfish. Removal programs, such as the Crown of Thorns Starfish Control Program, involve the manual removal of the starfish from affected areas to prevent further damage to coral reefs. While this is not a direct form of predation, it is an essential management strategy to protect marine ecosystems from the devastating effects of the crown of thorns starfish.

In conclusion, the crown of thorns starfish has several predators that help control its populations and mitigate the damage it causes to coral reefs. From coral-eating starfish and sea urchins to fish and marine mammals, these predators play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. While human intervention remains essential, the natural predators of the crown of thorns starfish provide a valuable resource in the fight against this invasive species.