The crown-of-thorns starfish Acanthaster planci as a predator of black coral Antipathes galapagensis in the Gulf of California

Abstract

We report observations of the crown-of-thorns starfish Acanthaster planci feeding on the black coral Antipathes galapagensis in the Gulf of California. Starfish individuals had diameters from 10 to 15 cm, showing two methods for feeding. Predation on black coral appears to be a response to the lack of alternative prey types.