Echinaster luzonicus
©Anne Hoggett: Echinaster luzonicus with long radius about 12 cm, at Lizard Island on soft sediment away from base of reef slope about 20 metres depth (16 Jan 2016)
©Anne Hoggett: Echinaster luzonicus with benthic ctenophores (Coeloplana sp. 1) creeping on its arms, at Lizard Island on soft sediment away from base of reef slope about 20 metres depth (16 Jan 2016).
©Barbara Banks: Echinaster luzonicus at Eagle Island near Lizard Island, regenerating from the largest arm
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Echinodermata
Class
Asteroidea
Order
Spinulosida
Family
Echinasteridae
Genus
Echinaster
Species
Echinaster luzonicus
Colours
Distinguishing features
A moderately sized starfish with a small disk and usually six long, tapering arms. Conspicuous papular pores all over the upper surface. Underside very distinctive, with teeth on the arm furrows interlocking to give a zig-zag appearance. Colour highly variable. Often found in various stages of regeneration, including from a single arm.
Size
- Up to 20 cm (longest radius)
Depth range
- Depth range data is not yet available.
Synonyms
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Local abundance
- Lizard Island: Occur all around the island group but never in large numbers.
Web resources
References
References that assist with identification
- Marsh, L.M. and J. Fromont (2020). Field Guide to shallow water seastars of Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth.
Other references
- Guenther, J. (2007). Natural antifouling defences of tropical sea stars, Ph.D. thesis, James Cook University. LIRS catalog number 1131.
- Guenther, J., G. Walker-Smith, A. Waren and R. de Nys (2007). Fouling-resistant surfaces of tropical sea stars, Biofouling, 23: 413-418. LIRS catalog number 1077.