Starfish: A warning from the past regarding polarization in Science and Society

Outbreaks of the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) have been studied for many years throughout the Indo-West Pacific region and although many explanatory hypotheses have been proposed we do not understand why outbreaks of this starfish occur on some reefs while, on other nearby reefs, this starfish maintains a stable, low population density. On the Great Barrier Reef and elsewhere, most starfish research has centered on establishing the scale of Acanthaster outbreaks and the effect of Acanthaster predation on the coral reef community.

The giant triton (Charonia tritonis) and other members of the genus Charonia are known predators of many species of starfish but there are few examples of other species predominantly preying on starfish apart from other starfish. Dr Robert Endean proposed that predation on starfish plays an important role in starfish population stability and discussed the possible causes of Acanthaster outbreaks with particular emphasis on the removal by humans of the predators of adult and juvenile starfish.

While it is recognized that predation can determine the spatial patterns of natural communities and can represent powerful selective pressure in the evolution of prey adaptation, the role of natural predators in maintaining high prey diversity, and the possible survival strategy of rarity in the coral reef community is unclear with respect to either starfish, their predators, or their prey.

The giant triton is an extremely beautiful shell and in many parts of the third world, it is still being collected in large numbers and sold to tourists as ornaments. As you admire the beautiful shell, spare a thought for the hungry mollusk that died. And don't forget, they live on starfish. At present, little is known of any aspect of the triton's ecology despite its obvious importance in controlling starfish numbers. It is very important to protect this shell by listing on Appendix 2 of the Convention in Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) Treaty.