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Starfish that lives on coarse sand in the subtidal or on reef substrata in coral rubble
© National Museum of Qatar
Scientific Name:
Common Name: Red Starfish
Dimensions: The diameter from armtip to armtip ranges between 14.5 cm and 30.0 cm
Medium: model
Registration Number: RPN.2018.010.6
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This starfish species features a distinctive stellate (star-shaped) form with five tapering arms extending from a central disk. It displays a symmetrical pattern with five rays. The body is large and robust, characterized by broad and rounded areas between the arms. The central disk is elevated and has five prominent conical spines - one on each primary plate near the arm's base. The upper surface is covered with rows of small, rounded granules. The arms are thick, moderately long, slope outward, have rounded tips, and are triangular in cross-section.The body of this starfish is covered in tiny calcareous pincer-like structures that serve to keep the skin clean from small organisms and debris. The colouration of the species is highly diverse and can differ even within a single population. It might range from bright red and greenish hues to dark gray or other colours. The spines and tubercles on the body tend to stand out in a contrasting colour compared to the rest of the body.
Habitat and Biology
The starfish species pentaceraster mammillatus is found in the subtidal zone on coarse sand or coral rubble, often near reefs at depths of four to 15 metres. It is a common predator of pearl oysters in Qatar's oyster beds, able to open their shells and digest them. Aside from oysters, it feeds on micro-organisms from algae and seagrasses, surface detritus, and dissolved organic matter. The starfish feeds by extending its stomach through its mouth to digest the prey's tissues. Despite lacking developed eyes, it has eye spots with light-sensitive cells at the arm's tips and sensitive neurosensory cells all over its skin, especially in the tube feet's suckers.
ECO System Qatar
Coral reefs are colonies of tiny animals thriving in nutrient-poor marine waters, typically in shallow, productive regions on solid substrates. Composed of calcium carbonate secretions, they serve essential ecological, economic, recreational, and cultural roles. They offer shelter and sustenance to various marine life, protect coastlines from storms and erosion, support fishing and leisure activities, and are part of cultural heritage. Around 10% of Qatar's seabed is covered by coral reefs, vital to over 80% of the Gulf's fish species. Noteworthy Qatar reefs are near Halul Island, Othman Reef, and Khor Al Udaid. Unfortunately, these reefs are endangered, as evidenced by a significant decline in coral health.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
Krupp, F. (Editor), Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, P. (Preface By), Al-Athel, S. bin A.Series: (Fauna of Arabia, Volume19 ) Karger Libri.
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