Note on the exploitation of starfish Protoreaster Iincki (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) in Tuticorin.

Abstract

Protoreaster lincki, commonly called red general star or red spined star is a beautiful, decorative species, which is relatively larger in size up to 30 cm, with five short triangular arms having bright red or orange reticulate pattern on the dorsal side. It is considered as a voracious scavenger, mainly feed on sponges, sea anemones, soft corals etc.The possibility of over exploitation of this species along with its habitat destrruction by coral mining warrants the initiation of conservation measures and also to study its impacts on ecosystem.