Crown of thorns starfish may benefit coral reefs in small numbers

Crown-of-thorns starfish may help coral reefs thrive when their population levels remain balanced, according to research from the University of Sydney reported by ScienceDaily Biology and Science Daily. Scientists observed feeding events on Australia's Great Barrier Reef and discovered that nearly 75 percent of the interactions left behind living coral tissue rather than fully destroying the colonies. [1][2]

The spiny predators, which feature sharp spines filled with toxins, are widely known for consuming coral and causing severe structural destruction during population outbreaks. However, the study indicates that partial predation by these invertebrates leaves remaining tissue that can survive and regenerate, rather than eradicating entire coral colonies during ordinary feeding behaviors. [1]

The Great Barrier Reef consists of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands located in the Coral Sea off Queensland, Australia. Built by billions of coral polyps, the reef stretches over 2,300 kilometres and supports 450 species of hard corals along with more than 1,600 species of fish. [7][8]

The findings show that controlled numbers of crown-of-thorns starfish may contribute positively to the ecological dynamics of the reef by feeding on fast-growing species and leaving surviving patches of coral tissue. [1]