Mediterranean feather star

Echinoderm

Identification & Biology

• IdentificationA feather-like echinoderm with 10 to 20 long, feathery arms radiating from a small central body. Colour is highly variable: red, orange, yellow, brown, white, or banded combinations. Clings to the substrate with small, claw-like appendages called cirri on the underside.
• SizeArm span up to 20 cm. The arms are delicate and feathery with small side branches (pinnules).
• Social HabitCan be solitary or in groups. Perches on elevated positions such as gorgonians, sponges, and rocky outcrops to maximise exposure to plankton-bearing currents. Can swim using rhythmic arm movements.
• HabitatRocky reefs, gorgonian sea fans, and any elevated substrate with good current. Most often seen perched on top of prominent features.
• Depth0 to 200 m. Common between 10 and 50 m.
• Feeds OnPlankton and suspended organic particles captured by sticky mucus on the arm pinnules.
• DistributionMediterranean Sea and adjacent eastern Atlantic. Common in Maltese waters.
• DescriptionAntedon mediterranea is the only feather star commonly found in the Mediterranean and one of the more photogenic invertebrates on Maltese reefs. It perches on elevated spots with arms spread into the current, looking more like a plant than an animal. If disturbed, it can release its grip and swim with a graceful rowing motion of its arms before reattaching elsewhere. The colour variation between individuals is striking.