Starfish: Biology and Ecology of the Asteroidea

https://jhupbooks.press.jhu.edu/content/starfish

Editor: John M. Lawrence

Johns Hopkins University Press

ISBN: 9781421407876

US$100

Asteroids, more commonly known as starfish or sea stars, are one of the most easily recognisable animals of the marine environment. Many asteroids play important ecological roles in their habitat and despite over 100 years of research on these marine animals, comprehensive books on asteroids are lacking if not out-of-date. Thus, Starfish: Biology and Ecology of the Asteroidea is a timely release whereby international experts review a myriad of biological and ecological aspects of the starfish based on the latest scientific research.

This book is catered mainly towards the scientific community harbouring at least some basic knowledge of asteroid biology, invertebrate zoology. Those looking for an introductory guide to these fascinating creatures may struggle to navigate through the text. The book is divided into two principle sections:

The first section (Comparative Biology and Ecology) consisting of 9 chapters, details most recent knowledge of asteroid phylogeny, reproduction, development, biochemistry and ecology, as well as the functional biology of the arms and tube feet. Furthering this, the second section (Integrative Biology) contains 11 chapters, each dedicated to providing a review on extensively studied species or genera. Of these, the chapters on the Acanthaster planci (crown-of-thorns starfish), Asterias amurensis (the asteroid that was introduced into Tasmania) and Coscinasterias would be of most interest to the Australian audience.

This book is an important reference material for scientists working with asteroids. It is also a compelling read for those with a general interest in physiology, invertebrate zoology, phylogeny and ecology.

Dr Hong D. Nguyen