A
voracious predator of corals, the crown of thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci)
commonly known as the crown of thorns starfish, is an unusually large starfish
which may grow to more than one metre in diameter. The crown-of-thorns receives
its name from venomous thorn-like spines that cover its upper surface or the
crown of thorns. It is one of the largest sea stars in the world, the largest
being probably the sunflower seastar (Pycnopodia helianthoides).
Scientific
classification of the crown of thorns starfish:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Echinodermata
Class: Asteroidea
Order: Valvatida
Family: Acanthasteridae
Genus: Acanthaster
Species: A. planci
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