Feather Star – Stephanometra tenuipinna

, Feather Star - Stephanometra tenuipinna, Stephanometra tenuipinna
Water Type: Marine
Toxicity: Toxic hazard unknown
Red List Status: Not evaluated (NE)
Temperature: 28,1 °F - 29,1 °F (28,1°C - 29,1°C)

The Feather Star – Stephanometra tenuipinna is a captivating creature found in the diverse marine environments of the world. This species, belonging to the class Crinoidea, order Comatulida, and family Mariametridae, exhibits unique characteristics and plays a crucial role within its ecosystem.

Description & Characteristics

The Stephanometra tenuipinna is a captivating marine invertebrate with a striking appearance. It is characterized by its feather-like arms, which are adorned with numerous cirri, small, delicate appendages that aid in movement and feeding. These arms are typically long and slender, radiating outward from a central body known as the calyx. The calyx houses the feather star’s vital organs, including its mouth and digestive system. These feather stars are known for their captivating array of colors, often displaying vibrant hues of orange, red, and yellow. Their body structure exhibits intricate patterns and textures, further adding to their visual appeal. As an epibiont, the Stephanometra tenuipinna is often found living on other organisms, such as corals, sponges, and seaweeds.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Stephanometra tenuipinna is a common inhabitant of coral reefs, where it thrives in the warm, clear waters of tropical and subtropical marine zones. Its preference for shallow, sunlit waters makes it a prominent feature of the reef’s vibrant ecosystem. The Stephanometra tenuipinna is adapted to life in these diverse environments, exhibiting remarkable resilience to fluctuating water conditions and currents. Its epibiotic lifestyle provides access to a variety of resources, including food, shelter, and protection. The Stephanometra tenuipinna is a fascinating example of how marine life has adapted to thrive in the complex and dynamic environments of the world’s oceans.

Taxonomy

The Stephanometra tenuipinna belongs to the Class: Crinoidea, Order: Comatulida, and Family: Mariametridae. This classification highlights its position within the larger taxonomic framework of marine invertebrates. The Class Crinoidea encompasses a diverse range of animals commonly known as sea lilies and feather stars. The Order Comatulida, to which the Stephanometra tenuipinna belongs, consists of feather stars, a group of crinoids that are characterized by their ability to move freely. The Family Mariametridae further classifies the Stephanometra tenuipinna into a specific group of feather stars that share common evolutionary traits and characteristics.

Feeding

The Stephanometra tenuipinna is a filter feeder, relying on the capture of microscopic organisms to sustain itself. Its diet primarily consists of plankton and zooplankton, which it traps using its feathery arms. As water currents carry these tiny creatures past the feather star, its arms and cirri effectively sieve them out, bringing them towards its mouth. The Stephanometra tenuipinna is a vital component of the marine food web, contributing to the overall health and balance of the ecosystem by consuming plankton and regulating their populations.

Associated Species

Image References

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