The Northern Pacific seastar is an invasive species in the Great Barrier Reef.
What does this animal eat? What are its main predators? Why is it harmful to native species?
The Northern Pacific seastar is a carnivorous predator that primarily feeds on bivalve mollusks, such as oysters and clams, as well as other echinoderms, including other seastars. Its main predators in its native range include sea otters, shorebirds, and other marine predators.
The Northern Pacific seastar is harmful to native species in the Great Barrier Reef because it competes with and preys on native species, leading to declines in their populations. Its voracious appetite and lack of natural predators in the Great Barrier Reef allow it to rapidly multiply and spread, outcompeting native species for food and habitat. This can result in disruptions to the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem and threaten the survival of native species. Additionally, the Northern Pacific seastar has been known to destroy coral reefs by feeding on coral polyps, further contributing to the degradation of the reef ecosystem.