Crown-of-thorns starfish

The crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci), often called COTS, is a large starfish that preys on hard coral polyps. Its upper surface is covered with venomous, thornlike spines, which give it a resemblance to the biblical crown of thorns. It is among the world’s largest starfish and has a wide Indo-Pacific distribution, occurring in tropical and subtropical areas where coral reefs or hard-coral communities are present.

Scientific name

Acanthaster planci

Diet

Hard coral polyps

Distribution

Indo-Pacific