Choriaster
Choriaster is monotypic genus in the family Oreasteridae containing the single species Choriaster granulatus commonly known as the granulated sea star. Other common names include big-plated sea star and doughboy starfish.[2] This species is harmless to humans.
Choriaster | |
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Choriaster granulatus in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines | |
Scientific classification | |
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Genus: | Choriaster |
Species: | C. granulatus |
Binomial name | |
Choriaster granulatus Lütken, 1869 | |
Description
Choriaster granulatus is a large sea star with a convex body and five short arms. The maximum growth radius is about 27 cm. It is a pale pink color with brown papillae in the center.[3]
Location
This species is found in numerous tropical waters, including:[4]
Habitat
![](../I/Oreasteridae_-_Choriaster_granulatus.jpg.webp)
Choriaster granulatus prefers shallow waters, having a depth range of 1.5 – 53 m deep. The water temperature is above average, ranging from 24-29 °C.[6] Choriaster granulatus has been found individually or in groups in the Indo-West Pacific region along coral reefs.[7] It has also been found in the Red Sea, Fiji, and Great Barrier Reef.[8] The sandy habitat is characterized by rubble slopes and detritus and they have been found among corals and sponges.[9]
![](../I/Choriaster_granulatus.jpg.webp)
Diet
Choriaster granulatus is a carnivore and has its mouth on the underside of its body, like other sea stars. Their prey is absorbed outside their mouths by forcing out their digestive organs from their stomach.[10] Its prey include carrion and small invertebrates such as coral polyps.[11]
Life cycle and reproduction
Embryos hatch into planktonic larvae before becoming juveniles with five arms. These juveniles will grow up to be sea stars with stubby arms. The Asteroidea class of organisms use both asexual and sexual means of reproduction.[12]
Threats
The arms of Choriaster granulatus can become deformed when small parasitic limpets attach to the underside of the arms.[13]
References
- C.L. Mah (2010). "Asteroidea taxon details for Choriaster Lütken, 1869". World Asteroidea Database. Retrieved June 29, 2011.
- "The Granulated Sea Star – Whats That Fish!". www.whatsthatfish.com. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
- "Taxonomic". domainsoflife.yolasite.com. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
- Marine Fish Picture Gallery – Granulated Seastar picture
- Choriaster granulatus, granular sea star
- "Granulated Sea Star – Choriaster granulatus – Details – Encyclopedia of Life". Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
- "Taxonomic". domainsoflife.yolasite.com. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
- "Taxonomic". domainsoflife.yolasite.com. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
- "Choriaster granulatus, granular sea star". www.sealifebase.org. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
- "The Granulated Sea Star – Whats That Fish!". www.whatsthatfish.com. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
- "Choriaster granulatus, granular sea star". www.sealifebase.org. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
- "Choriaster granulatus, granular sea star". www.sealifebase.org. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
- "The Granulated Sea Star – Whats That Fish!". www.whatsthatfish.com. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
External links
- Photos of Choriaster on Sealife Collection
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Choriaster granulatus. |