Vivid Orange Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Exhibiting Its...

lot/vivid orange crown of thorns starfish exhibiting its yVebSwN 633091015 / For sale

lot/vivid orange crown of thorns starfish exhibiting its yVebSwN 633091015

For salePrice history

lot/vivid orange crown of thorns starfish exhibiting its yVebSwN 633091015

For salePrice history

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Vivid Orange Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Exhibiting Its...

This lot features a naturalized specimen of Acanthaster planci, commonly known as the crown-of-thorns starfish. This echinoderm, renowned for its unique morphology and ecological role, is preserved and mounted inside a wooden display case with protective glass. The turned base and the damask background give the piece the appearance of a Wunderkammer item, combining scientific rigor with a refined aesthetic, ideal for a natural history collection. The specimen stands out for its complex structure, characterized by a high number of radial arms radiating from a central disc. The entire upper surface is densely covered with long, sharp spines that in nature serve as a formidable defense mechanism. The coloration, ranging from intense orange to brown, has been well preserved through the preparation process, highlighting the granular texture of the skin and the color contrast between the body and the tips of the spines. Up close, one can appreciate the almost geometric arrangement of the spines and the overall sturdiness of the form. The preparation of the specimen was carried out with care to maintain its three-dimensional volume and natural posture. The choice to place it in a square display case on a pedestal not only protects it from dust and accidental damage but also elevates its status to a true object of study. The case, with its dark frame and solid base, creates an elegant contrast with the warm tones of the starfish, turning it into a visually striking focal point. This presentation evokes scientific collections and eighteenth- and nineteenth-century cabinets of curiosities. The crown-of-thorns starfish is a widely distributed species of sea star in the Indo-Pacific coral reefs. It is a specialized predator of coral polyps, which it consumes by everting its stomach onto the surface of the coral. Although it is a natural component of the reef ecosystem, under certain conditions its populations can explode demographically, leading to widespread devastation of coral reefs. This dualism, between a fascinating creature and a potential ecological threat, makes it a subject of great scientific and narrative interest. The provenance indicated for this specimen is Caribbean, which would make it a notable geographical anomaly, since the species is typically absent from that area. As a collectible, this Acanthaster planci specimen represents a fascinating fragment of the marine world. Its 'dangerous' aesthetics and its complex structure make it a perfect piece to enrich a modern Wunderkammer, a study, or a library. It is an element that stimulates curiosity, capable of sparking conversations about marine biology and the remarkable diversity of life forms. Its ready-to-display presentation enhances its decorative value, making it suitable for both natural history collectors and interior designers seeking unique and meaningful elements. Technical details Name: Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster planci) Classification: Asteroidea, Valvatida, Acanthasteridae Provenance: Caribbean (as per provided information) Dimensions of Case: 260 x 210 x 120 mm Total weight: 1027 g Base: Wooden display case with glass on a turned base Conditions: Natural prepared specimen, in excellent condition as shown in the photo. Features are typical of a preserved biological specimen.

Estimate:£384.28

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