Bennett's Bushy Feather Star

Overview

Bennett's Bushy Feather Star (Anneissia bennetti) is a robust, diurnal crinoid commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region. It is a suspension feeder that thrives in areas with strong currents, where it extends its arms to capture passing nutrients.

Appearance

This species features a small, rounded central body with a mouth located on its upper surface. It possesses numerous arms that can reach lengths exceeding 30 cm. These arms are typically brown, adorned with distinctive, finger-like pinnules that are often a bright, contrasting yellowish-green. When feeding, the animal typically holds its arms in a vertical, bushy posture to maximize its reach into the water column.

Distribution & habitat

Bennett's Bushy Feather Star is widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific, ranging from the Bay of Bengal and the Maldives to Indonesia, Australia, and the Marshall Islands. It is primarily found on coral reefs, often occupying exposed live or dead coral heads where water flow is significant.

Biology & behavior

As a suspension feeder, it relies on its specialized pinnules to trap plankton and organic particles from the water. It is a relatively common species and is sometimes observed living in association with other marine life, including various shrimp, lobsters, and small fish. While it is a mobile organism, it is frequently seen anchored in high-current zones.