{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Taxon",
  "slug": "crown-of-thorns",
  "name": "Crown-of-thorns Starfish",
  "scientificName": "Acanthaster planci",
  "category": "Invertebrate",
  "summary": "The crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) is a venomous coral predator whose outbreaks can devastate Indo-Pacific reefs. Adults reach 80 cm and are listed Least Concern.",
  "conservationStatus": "Least Concern",
  "taxonomy": {
    "kingdom": "Animalia",
    "phylum": "Echinodermata",
    "class": "Asteroidea",
    "order": "Valvatida",
    "family": "Acanthasteridae",
    "genus": "Acanthaster"
  },
  "stats": {
    "weightKg": 3,
    "lengthM": 0.8,
    "topSpeedKmh": 3,
    "lifespanYears": 6
  },
  "facts": [
    {
      "label": "Scientific name",
      "value": "Acanthaster planci"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diet",
      "value": "Carnivore (coral polyps)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Habitat",
      "value": "Coral reefs"
    },
    {
      "label": "Lifespan",
      "value": "5–8 years"
    },
    {
      "label": "Weight",
      "value": "2–5 kg"
    },
    {
      "label": "Top speed",
      "value": "up to 3 km/h"
    },
    {
      "label": "Conservation status",
      "value": "Least Concern (IUCN)"
    }
  ],
  "range": {
    "nativeRange": "Indo-Pacific coral reefs.",
    "continents": [
      "Oceania",
      "Asia",
      "Africa"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [],
  "lastReviewed": "2026-07-16",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/crown-of-thorns/",
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY-NC 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
    "attribution": "Global Animal Guide — https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/crown-of-thorns/",
    "note": "Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with attribution and a link back to the canonical page."
  }
}