The crown-of-thorns (Acanthaster planci) is a starfish native to coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region.
The starfish A. planci eating a coral
Generally, on healthy coral reefs, this coral-eating starfish plays a special role, as it tends to feed on the fastest growing corals such as stag-horns and plate corals, allowing slower growing coral species to form colonies.
This helps increase coral diversity.
However, outbreaks of this animal pose one of the most significant threats to the Coral Reef.
To help Pom Pom coral reef, the conservation team regularly remove this starfish and then burial ashore or drying out in the sun.
Removing the crown-of-thorns starfish is not an easy job, and we have got the scars to prove it. A spine to the hand does not feel good and tends to bleed profusely.
A. planci removal from Pom Pom house reef
here is what we found in just a few hours!
Starfish and rubbish collected from Pom Pom house reef
After 2 hours of searching, chasing and collecting venomous starfish….. something unexpected made our day!
Under a big coral, a small shark was taking a nap!
Sharks play a very important role in the oceans. They are at the top of the food chain in virtually every part of every ocean.
Sharks’ duty is to keep populations of other fish healthy and in proper proportion for their ecosystem.….
contact oriana@pompomisland.com
