Red knob sea star

Étoile à cornes indienne

Scientific name : Protoreaster lincki

Family : Echinoderms (sea urchins, starfish, sea cucumbers…)
Size : Up to 30 cm
Distribution : Indian Ocean

Biology : The red knob sea star inhabits various habitats, including seagrass beds and sandy bottoms. It is a peaceful species that feeds mainly on algae films, bacteria and various organic debris. Its hard, pointed calcareous horns can deter some predators.

IUCN status : Not assessed