Crown-of-thorns Starfish

Superpower

Turns its stomach inside-out over coral to digest it on the spot.

At a glance

Size

typically 25 cm, up to 80 cm

Lifespan

7–10 years

Depth

1–30 m

Habitat

Coral reefs.

Diet

Living coral, digested where the starfish sits.

Can I eat it?

No — this one is not eaten.

Safety

• Dangerous5/10

  Painful venomous spines; a serious hazard to bare skin.

• Venomous6/10

  Spines inject venom that causes intense, lasting pain and swelling.

Fun facts

• •It can have over a dozen arms covered in venomous spines.
• •It feeds by pushing its stomach out onto the coral.
• •Population outbreaks are a major threat to reefs.