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Larval Development and Metamorphosis of Acanthaster planci (Asteroidea)

Nature volume 232, pages 655–657 (1971)Cite this article

An Erratum to this article was published on 19 November 1971

Abstract

LITTLE is known of the factors influencing survival during the planktonic phase of Acanthaster planci (Linnaeus), the crown of thorns starfish, apart from an observation of fish eating newly released eggs1. But it is not surprising that this phase has been suggested as the cause of the recent plague of the animal in the Pacific2–4, for large females release many millions of eggs each spawning season1 and any factor which slightly reduces the mortality rate during planktonic life and settlement greatly increases recruitment into the starfish populations.

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References

  1. Pearson, R. G., and Endean, R., Fish. Notes Qd, 3, 27 (1969).

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  2. Endean, R., Report on Investigations made into Aspects of the Current Acanthaster planci (Crown of Thorns) Infestations of Certain Reefs of the Great Barrier Reef (Fisheries Branch, Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane, 1969).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries Branch, Harbours and Marine Buildings, Brisbane, Q 4000

    J. A. HENDERSON

  2. School of Biological Sciences, James Cook University of North Queensland, Box 999 PO, Townsville, Q 4810

    J. S. LUCAS

Authors
  1. J. A. HENDERSON
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  2. J. S. LUCAS
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HENDERSON, J., LUCAS, J. Larval Development and Metamorphosis of Acanthaster planci (Asteroidea). Nature 232, 655–657 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1038/232655a0

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