ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the main findings and the fundamental gaps in knowledge on the ecology of herbivorous starfish, using a systematic review of the literature. It presents a synthesis on the different aspects of the ecology of herbivory in starfish. The chapter describes the food source exploited by herbivorous starfish, the changes in time and space on the use of food resource, and discusses the possible mechanisms driving these variations. It highlights the potential function of herbivorous starfish in controlling the distribution of algal assemblages and the limited studies on interactions between herbivorous starfish and other herbivores. The effects of herbivores on algal assemblages depend primarily on consumer and algal traits, but the strength of this interaction is contingent on physical and biological processes. Starfish species that primarily feed on algae were classified as obligate herbivores and are considered herbivorous starfish sensu stricto. The feeding behaviour of juveniles of the predatory starfish Acanthaster planci is well documented.
