Tiny Crabs, Big Impact: New Allies In Protecting Coral
The Great Barrier Reef is full of surprises—even for the scientists who study it every day. Recently, some unlikely potential heroes have emerged that could help fight against one of its most damaging threats.
For decades, the crown-of-thorns starfish has been known as a major contributor to coral loss, especially during outbreaks when its numbers skyrocket. These starfish feed on coral, and when left unchecked, can devastate large sections of the Reef. But recent research through our COTS Control Innovation Program has uncovered a surprising new group of predators that could help tip the balance back in favour of the coral—small, decapod crabs.
In a controlled lab study, researchers from The University of Queensland and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) found that these crabs will eat juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish.
https://www.barrierreef.org/news/news/tiny-crabs-big-impact-new-allies-in-protecting-coral