Crown of Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster planci)
The Crown of Thorns Starfish differs from other starfish in that it is disc shaped, has multiple arms, and is heavily covered with venomous spines. This particular specimen has 13 arms and its aboral side is covered in spines ranging from a few millimeters up to a few centimeters. Unfortunately many of these spines had been damaged during the packing and moving process and were incredibly fragile.
Initially the starfish was given a light brush to remove any loose dirt and debris. The spines where then consolidated using Paraloid B72. A 35% (w/v) solution in acetone was used where the spines where broken and bent, and a 20% solution was used to consolidate loose spines. The consolidant was applied via a syringe and the spines repositioned where applicable.
Once the spines had been stablised the specimen was give a wet clean. This was done by placing the specimen on a Correx board and placing it at a slight angle into a plastic tray. It was then cleaned using a (< 1%) solution of Synperonic A7 (a non-ionic detergent) and reverse osmosis water. The solution was brushed on in small sections to create a slight lather and was then rinsed with water applied via a washbottle.
Once dry the remaining loose spines where consolidated using a 20% Paraloid B72 solution (w/v) in acetone. This resulted in a much more stable specimen and the wet cleaning allowed the dull, grey appearance to be reduced.
Initially the starfish was given a light brush to remove any loose dirt and debris. The spines where then consolidated using Paraloid B72. A 35% (w/v) solution in acetone was used where the spines where broken and bent, and a 20% solution was used to consolidate loose spines. The consolidant was applied via a syringe and the spines repositioned where applicable.
Once the spines had been stablised the specimen was give a wet clean. This was done by placing the specimen on a Correx board and placing it at a slight angle into a plastic tray. It was then cleaned using a (< 1%) solution of Synperonic A7 (a non-ionic detergent) and reverse osmosis water. The solution was brushed on in small sections to create a slight lather and was then rinsed with water applied via a washbottle.
Once dry the remaining loose spines where consolidated using a 20% Paraloid B72 solution (w/v) in acetone. This resulted in a much more stable specimen and the wet cleaning allowed the dull, grey appearance to be reduced.