The Feather Star – Antedon petasus, also known simply as the Feather Star, is a captivating marine invertebrate that belongs to the class Crinoidea, the group that includes sea lilies and feather stars. These creatures, which are closely related to starfish and sea urchins, are characterized by their unique feather-like arms, which give them their common name. This article will delve into the fascinating world of the Antedon petasus, exploring its description, habitat, taxonomy, and feeding habits.
Description & Characteristics
The Antedon petasus exhibits a distinctive appearance with its feathery arms that can extend up to 30 centimeters in length. Its body, referred to as the calyx, is small and cup-shaped, housing the animal’s vital organs. The arms are covered in pinnules, which are small, finger-like projections that act as filter feeders. They are typically a pale grayish-white color, with a delicate, translucent appearance. These feather stars are often found clinging to hard surfaces, their long, feathery arms gracefully waving in the current.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Antedon petasus is a marine species that thrives in temperate waters, primarily inhabiting the northeast Atlantic Ocean. Its distribution extends from the British Isles to the Mediterranean Sea. This feather star typically resides in shallow coastal waters, often found at depths ranging from 10 to 100 meters. It prefers rocky substrates and kelp forests, where it can anchor itself and filter food from the water. These marine zones provide the ideal conditions for Antedon petasus to thrive.
Taxonomy
The species Antedon petasus is scientifically classified within the phylum Echinodermata, specifically belonging to the Class: Crinoidea, Order: Comatulida, and Family: Antedonidae. This classification places the Antedon petasus in a group of marine invertebrates that includes a diverse array of sea stars, sea urchins, brittle stars, and sea cucumbers, among others. The specific classification within the Crinoidea highlights its unique characteristics, including its feather-like arms and its filter-feeding adaptations.
Feeding
The Antedon petasus is an azooxanthellate, nonphotosynthetic suspension feeder, meaning it does not rely on symbiotic algae for nutrition. Instead, it obtains its sustenance by filtering microscopic organisms from the water column. Its primary food source is zooplankton, including copepods, which are small crustaceans that abound in marine environments. The feather star’s feathery arms are lined with pinnules, which capture and transport these tiny organisms to its mouth.
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