How long do outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish last?
The duration of outbreaks on individual reefs varies widely: some may last for 4-5 years whilst others may have run their course within 1-2 years. The duration of an outbreak probably depends on the size and shape of the reef, the number of starfish in the population, the amount of corals available and certain physical factors (eg. weather conditions). In general, reefs pass through a series of 5 distinct stages during an outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish. This is termed an outbreak cycle.
