Crown of thorns starfish, or sea star, (Acanthaster planci). 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 off Derawan Islands, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Douwma, Georgette |
Bildgröße: | 5200 px × 3470 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |