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

This lot presents a naturalized specimen of Acanthaster planci, commonly known as the crown-of-thorns starfish. This echinoderm, celebrated for its unique morphology and ecological role, is preserved and mounted inside a wooden display cabinet with protective glass. The turned base and damascened background give the whole piece the look of an object from a Wunderkammer, 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 emanating from a central disk. 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 by the preparation process, highlighting the granular texture of the skin and the color contrast between the body and the tips of the spines. On close inspection, one can appreciate the almost geometric arrangement of the spines and the overall robustness of the form. The preparation of the specimen has been carried out carefully to maintain its three-dimensional volume and natural posture. The choice to place it in a square display cabinet on a pedestal not only protects it from dust and accidental damage but also elevates its status to a true object of study. The cabinet, with its dark frame and solid base, creates an elegant contrast with the warm tones of the starfish, turning it into a focal point of strong visual impact. This presentation recalls scientific collections and eighteenth- and nineteenth-century cabinets of curiosities. The crown-of-thorns starfish is a species widespread in the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific region. It is a specialized predator of stony corals, which it devours by everting its stomach onto the coral surface. Although it is a natural component of the reef ecosystem, under certain conditions its populations can undergo demographic explosions, leading to large-scale 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 geographic anomaly, given that the species is typically absent in that area. As a collectible object, this specimen of Acanthaster planci 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 and can spark conversations about marine biology and the surprising diversity of life forms. Its ready-for-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 provided) Cabinet dimensions: 260 x 210 x 120 mm Total weight: 1027 g Base: Wooden and glass cabinet on a turned base Conditions: Natural prepared specimen, in excellent condition as shown in the photos. The characteristics are those typical of a preserved biological specimen.

Estimation:€425

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