Gonadal tissue of male and female Acanthaster planci. Acanthaster planci

The molecular characterization of male and female gonadal tissue of Acanthaster planci can characterize genes linked to the fertilization process. The Crown-of-Thorns sea star Acanthaster planci is a major predator of coral reefs that can leave devastate reefs when population density increases (outbreaks). The causes of the periodic outbreaks remain uncertain. Efforts to characterize genes linked to the fertilization process may highlight mechanisms of reproduction that may have an impact in the population density.