#comb starfis

[bitch-dont-krill-my-vibe]

Sand sifting starfish

Astropecten polyacanthus is known by many names -  sand sifting starfish, comb sea star and spiny sea star. It grows up to 13 cm, is found in the Indo-Pacific region, and has arms lined with sharp, comb-like spines which are used for protection.

Interesting fact: it produces the same neurotoxin (Tetrodotoxin) as pufferfish, porcupine fish and triggerfish. This was discovered after a Japanese man suffered paralytic poisoning after eating a trumpet shell which had acquired the toxin via predation of the sea star.

Images: 1) Aboral surface of sea star  2) Oral surface of sea star  All Images taken at Middle Harbour 19/11/2018

References: Cork, J. (2015). Astropecten polyacanthus. [online] Australian Museum. Available at: https://australianmuseum.net.au/astropecten-polyacanthus-mller-troschel-1842 

Narita, H., Matsubara, S., Miwa, N., Akahane, S., Murakami, M., Goto, T., Nara, M., Noguchi, T., Saito, T., Shida, Y. and Hashimoto, K., 1987. Vibrio alginolyticus, a TTX-producing bacterium isolated from the starfish Astropecten polyacanthus. Nippon Suisan Gakkaishi, 53(4), pp.617-621.