Plectaster decanus

Plectaster decanus, the mosaic sea star, is a species of sea star found off the south coast of Australia. It is the only species in the genus Plectaster.

Plectaster decanus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Echinodermata
Class:
Asteroidea
Order:
Spinulosida
Family:
Echinasteridae
Genus:
Plectaster
Species:
P. decanus
Binomial name
Plectaster decanus
Synonyms[1]
  • Echinaster decanus Müller & Troschel, 1843

Description
Plectaster decanus

This five-armed starfish is distinguished by its very bright colors. A group of raised yellow ridges covers its red upper surface and it is soft in texture. Plectaster decanus is one of the few poisonous sea stars, and can cause numbness in humans if it is carried for any length of time.[2]

Distribution and habitat

Plectaster decanus lives in rocky reefs off the southern coast of Australia. It lives at a depth of 30–600 ft (10–180 m).[2]

Biology

Plectaster decanus primarily feeds on sponges.[2]

References
  1. Mah, Christopher (2010). Mah CL (ed.). "Plectaster decanus (Muller & Troschel, 1843)". World Asteroidea database. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
  2. "Mosaic Sea Star Plectaster decanus". Oceana.org. Archived from the original on 20 December 2013. Retrieved 20 December 2013.


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