Rosy Feather Star

Overview

The Rosy Feather Star (Antedon bifida) is a distinctive crinoid echinoderm characterized by its fern-like appearance and ten feathery, pinnate arms. Often found in rocky environments, this species is known for its ability to anchor itself to substrates or move across the seafloor with surprising agility using specialized, claw-like appendages called cirri.

Appearance

This species features a small, concave central disc surrounded by ten slender, jointed arms that typically measure up to 10 cm in length. The arms are lined with pinnules—small side-branches that give the animal its feathery look—and often display vibrant, variable coloration ranging from yellow, pink, and orange to deep purple, sometimes with mottled or banded patterns. On the underside of the disc, approximately 20 to 25 banded, claw-like cirri allow the animal to grasp rocks, algae, or other sessile organisms.

Biology & behavior

Primarily nocturnal, the Rosy Feather Star is often observed curled into a ball during the day to avoid light. At night, it extends its arms into the water column to filter-feed on plankton and suspended organic particles. While generally sedentary, it can detach and relocate by crawling or by swimming through rhythmic, undulating movements of its arms. It is a gregarious species, frequently found in dense clusters in areas with moderate currents that provide a steady supply of food.