On the left is a corallimorph (Paracorynactis hoplites) munching on a coral terrorist, the crown-of-thorns sea star (Acanthaster planci). At this link is another photo of this wonderful little critter. These photos were taken by my SPS co-founder Blogie Robillo at Davao Gulf.
Crown-of-Thorns starfish (COTS) can be challenging to control and is considered a pest on coral reefs since it breeds very quickly and ravages coral reefs. Until recently, some believed that the Giant Triton (Charonia tritonis) is the COTS' only natural predator (well, apart from divers who are removing them from time to time). Unfortunately, Giant Tritons are dwindling in numbers due to overharvesting. So the fact that there's another weapon against COTS is very good news. Truly, Nature is always able to balance itself out.
Learn more about Paracorynactis hoplites through this report (only 6 pages) from August 2011 based on a research led by Dr. Arthus R. Bos. The researchers call it a "highly efficient predator". Really quite fascinating! :)
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