Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) on a reef. This starfish grows up to 40 centimetres in diameter and has 12-19 arms. The spines can cause

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Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) on a reef. This starfish grows up to 40 centimetres in diameter and has 12-19 arms. The spines can cause pain, swelling, nausea and vomiting if touched by humans. It is a coral reef predator (corallivore) that preys on the coral polyps by extending its stomach over them and releasing digestive enzymes. This liquefies the coral's tissue, which the starfish then absorbs. Photographed in the Red Sea.

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Size: 5138px × 3425px
Photo credit: © ALEXANDER SEMENOV/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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