The short spined crown-of-thorns starfish Acanthaster brevispinus is a corallivore too

Abstract The short spined crown-of-thorns starfish Acanthaster brevispinus inhabits deeper water soft bottom habitats, in contrast to the more infamous Indo-Pacific species complex of which population outbreaks have been responsible for widespread coral mortality throughout Indo-West Pacific region. has not previously regarded as a threat corals or reefs. Here, we report A. occurring on mesophotic off-reef inter-reef habitats 20–70-m depths dominated by solitary off both western and eastern coasts Australia. On Ningaloo Reef, were found mushroom ( Cycloseris distorta ) beds using an underwater towed camera further exploration remotely operated vehicle (ROV) confirmed predation C. . southern Great Barrier large numbers habitat dendrophylliid Heteropsammia cf. cochlea. Predation H. cochlea was also directly observed. This is first hard brevispinus, while there are yet be any records this species, such could significant effect assemblages.