Crabs could be key to tackling secret army of starfish

March 20, 2025 8:50 PM

Crabs could be key to tackling secret army of starfish destroying the Great Barrier Reef (Australia). Researchers have found crabs are key predators of juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish and could be a hidden link to what controls their destructive spread.
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries (4 comments total)

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posted by HearHere at 4:43 AM on March 21

Of course it's crabs, it's always crabs!

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posted by tiny frying pan at 5:31 AM on March 21 [1 favorite]

We in US Mid Atlantia have appreciated blue crab populations AND some part of Italy was dealing with its invasive crabs by eating them…so there is research. Louisiana has a crab ecosystem that is warmer, my friend worked in Dominica had crabs that would climb up to her second floor balcony…so yep, this is feeling hopeful for our snappy little crustaceans.
posted by childofTethys at 5:35 AM on March 21

"...and the Brazilian otters will simply freeze to death in the winter."
posted by DeepSeaHaggis at 5:38 AM on March 21 [4 favorites]