- Choriaster granulatus
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Choriaster granulatus 
Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Echinodermata Class: Asteroidea Order: Valvatida Family: Oreasteridae Genus: Choriaster
Lütken, 1869 [1]Species: C. granulatus Binomial name Choriaster granulatus
Lütken, 1869Choriaster granulatus, commonly known as the granulated sea star, cushion seastar,[2]and doughboy star,[3] is a species of starfish.[4] It is the only species in the genus Choriaster.[1]
Contents
Description
Choriaster granulatus is a large seastar, and is easily identified by its five distinctive large, short, thick conical arms. [2] It is usually pale pink in colour, has small, brown papillae in clusters located in the central part of its body. [2] This species grows to a maximum radius of approximately 27 cm.[3]
Distribution
This species is found in numerous tropical waters, including:[3]
Habitat
Choriaster granulatus lives in shallow waters at depths of up to 40 metres,[5] and is found on rubble slopes, coral reefs,[3] in the reef front, back reef, the external reef, and frequently in locations with rubble and detritus.[2]
Behaviour and diet
This starfish feeds on algae, detritus, and dead animals.[2] One of its predators is the sea snail Triton's trumpet (Charonia tritonis).[3] It also eats various small invertebrates and coral polyps.[5]
References
- ^ a b C.L. Mah (2010). "Asteroidea taxon details for Choriaster Lütken, 1869". World Asteroidea Database. http://www.marinespecies.org/asteroidea/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=206933. Retrieved June 29, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e Choriaster granulatus, Cushion star
- ^ a b c d e Marine Fish Picture Gallery - Granulated Seastar picture
- ^ WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Choriaster granulatus Lütken, 1869
- ^ a b c Choriaster granulatus, granular sea star
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