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Tropical feather stars

Distribution : Tropical reefs in several oceans; representatives shown here were filmed in the Maldives. Exact distribution depends on the species.

Feather stars illustrate another way of inhabiting a reef: maintaining contact with its structure while intercepting suspended food. Some move to change position. This group guide covers animals filmed in the Maldives without assigning one common depth or size to every species.

Habitat of Tropical feather stars Habitat
Coral reef, Rocky habitat
Depth range of Tropical feather stars Depth
Coastal reefs; depth varies by species
Biological group of Tropical feather stars Group
Ecological role of Tropical feather stars Role
Filter feeder

WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?

Feather stars are crinoids, relatives of sea stars and sea urchins. Jointed arms carry pinnules that create the feather-like appearance. Attachment may involve cirri or arms, depending on the species. Colour and span alone do not establish a precise taxon.

WHERE DO THEY LIVE?

Tropical feather stars occupy reef supports where currents bring particles. Depending on species and circumstances, they may stay exposed or withdraw into shelter. Crawling, and sometimes swimming, does not turn this substrate-associated way of life into a pelagic one.

WHAT DO THEY EAT?

They consume suspended particles. Small structures on the arms and pinnules intercept plankton and organic particles, which are then carried to the mouth. The balance of these resources differs among species and environments; this guide does not assume identical diets for all feather stars.

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Tropical feather stars

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