Which coral-eating starfish is responsible for periodic outbreaks on the Great Barrier Reef?

The crown-of-thorns starfish is the coral-eating starfish responsible for periodic outbreaks on the Great Barrier Reef.

Its scientific name is Acanthaster planci, and it feeds on living coral tissue. During an outbreak, unusually high densities can consume coral across large areas, reducing living coral cover and altering reef habitat.

The animal is named for its numerous venomous spines, which resemble a crown of thorns. Handling it can cause painful injury, so reef workers use specialist tools when removing or controlling individuals.

Crown-of-thorns starfish are naturally part of reef ecosystems, and not every population increase becomes an outbreak. Scientists study their reproduction, larval survival, predators and water quality to understand why outbreaks develop and how they affect different reefs.