crown-of-thorns starfish

American  

[kroun-uhv-thawrnz] / ˈkraʊn əvˈθɔrnz /

noun

1. a starfish, Acanthaster planci, that feeds on living coral polyps, causing erosion and destruction of coral reefs.

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Etymology

Origin of crown-of-thorns starfish

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

crown-of-thorns starfish

There has been some success with the Australian government's crown-of-thorns starfish culling programme, which has killed over 50,000 starfish by injecting them with vinegar or ox bile.

From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2025

Research conducted by marine biologists from the University of Sydney has found juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish can withstand tremendous heatwaves well above levels thatkill coral.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 18, 2023

Another AU$253 million will support the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, which manages the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem, in efforts to reduce threats from the crown-of-thorns starfish and to prevent illegal fishing.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 28, 2022

While snorkeling, we were warned to steer clear of the pretty but pointed crown-of-thorns starfish, and more than once we spotted a venomous scorpionfish lurking along the bottom.

From Washington Post ● Oct. 1, 2020

The country now faces major environmental challenges, including deforestation, unsustainable fishing practices, and the introduction of invasive species, such as the crown-of-thorns starfish, that have led to the destruction of coral reefs.

From New York Times ● Oct. 24, 2018