There are few studies of serpulid reefs, and a complete absence of any form of monitoring, upon which to base any interpretation of sensitivity, and the following is therefore largely supposition.

Asterias rubens has frequently been seen feeding on reefs in Ardbear Lough and it is known that it can sometimes occur in very dense waves which can destroy Mytilus beds in a short time. It is therefore presumably possible that it is capable of great damage to serpulid reefs, although the muddy substratum usually found between reefs would presumably prevent rapid spread of starfish.

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