Which large predatory snail can attack crown-of-thorns starfish on the Great Barrier Reef?

The giant triton snail can attack crown-of-thorns starfish on the Great Barrier Reef. Its scientific name is Charonia tritonis, and it is a large marine gastropod with a distinctive spiral shell.

The snail is a predator of echinoderms, including crown-of-thorns starfish. It can use its feeding structures and digestive chemicals to weaken and consume prey. Because crown-of-thorns starfish eat living coral tissue, predators such as giant triton snails are important parts of the reef food web.

The giant triton is not a guaranteed control for crown-of-thorns outbreaks. Natural predation is only one influence on starfish populations, and outbreaks can involve large numbers of animals across wide areas. The snail is also vulnerable to collection because of its attractive shell.