Crown-of-thorns starfish

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Great Barrier Reef wildlife

The Great Barrier Reef can only be described as breathtakingly beautiful and one of the wonders of the natural world. It is the largest collection of corals on Earth (over 400 types) making up thousands of individual reefs of all shapes and sizes, alongside hundreds of exotic islands. This is the world's most extensive stretch of coral reef and the only living thing visible from space.
There is no doubt that the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's richest areas of diversity; supporting a dazzling array of colourful corals, sponges, anemones and worms. Many species of tropical fish, birds, mammals and reptiles are also found here. No wonder it is one of the jewels in Australia's crown and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sadly, pollution, climate change and outbreaks of the crown-of-thorns starfish are all threats to this fragile ecosystem.

Crown-of-thorns starfish

Crown-of-thorns starfish

Crown-of-thorns starfish are one of the most damaging creatures of tropical coral reefs, particularly Australia's Great Barrier Reef. They are voracious predators that release the contents of their stomach on to the coral. Digestive juices then liquify the coral ready for consumption. A single individual can wipe out large areas in this way. They are almost completely covered in protective venomous spines capable of causing great pain in humans. Yet the crown-of-thorns starfish does have predators of its own, including molluscs, fish and worms. Scientific name: Acanthaster planci