How does the crown of thorn starfish affect coral reefs around Australia?

Answer 1

The Crown-of-Thorns Starfish threatens coral life because it eats coral. This is typically natural, but when overbred, such as on the Great Barrier Reef, they eat the coral, leaving it void of life. Typically the coral regrows itself, but when the starfish is in overabundance, it passes back over the young coral, not giving it time to recooperate. Thus, the coral reefs cannot support life, damaging the ecosystem.

Answer 2

The Crown of Thorns Starfish is the world's largest starfish and lives around tropical coral reefs and feeds on the coral in the reefs. The damage caused by the starfish is irreparable, and the extent of this damage is also increasing in the Great Barrier Reef. This is due to the absence of natural predators in these waters, and what is believed to be an increase in nutrient-rich runoff from nearby coastal areas of northern Queensland.

Answer 3

Just not Australia, The Crown-of-Thorns is endemic to tropical coral reefs in the Red Sea, the Indian ocean, and the Pacific Ocean.
An individual starfish can consume up to 6 square metres (65 sq ft) of living coral reef per year.

Answer 4

It eats the coral.