BIOTIC Species Information for Astropecten irregularis
Researched byMorvan Barnes & Sean Lindsley-Leake Data supplied byMarLIN
Refereed byThis information is not refereed
General Biology
Growth formStellate
Radial
Feeding methodPredator
Scavenger
Mobility/MovementCrawler
Crawler
Environmental positionEpibenthic
Typical food typesLarge benthic invertebrates including molluscs, particularly the clam Spisula subtruncata, polychaetes, crustaceans, and other echinoderms and carrion. HabitFree living
Bioturbator FlexibilityHigh (>45 degrees)
FragilityIntermediate SizeSmall-medium(3-10cm)
Heightnot relevant Growth Rate17 cm/year at most
Adult dispersal potential1km-10km DependencyIndependent
SociabilityGregarious
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional InformationGrowth rate
There is considerable irregularity in the growth rate of starfish, especially during their first year. Growth rates of Astropecten irregularis are also highly seasonal and dependent on food availability, reaching 17 cm/year. Maximum growth occurs between March and April and between August and November.
Biology References Hayward et al., 1996, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Picton, 1993, Fish & Fish, 1996, Mortensen, 1927, Freeman et al, 2001,
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