Klunzinger’s Feather Star – Dichrometra palmata

Klunzinger’s Feather Star, scientifically known as Dichrometra palmata, is a fascinating marine invertebrate belonging to the class Crinoidea, a group that includes sea lilies and feather stars. It is a member of the Comatulida order, a diverse group of free-living crinoids, and falls under the Mariametridae family.

Description & Characteristics

Dichrometra palmata is characterized by its distinctive feather-like arms, which can extend up to 15 cm in length. These arms are covered in cirri, small, hair-like appendages that aid in movement and feeding. Its body, or calyx, is relatively small, typically less than 2 cm in diameter. The color of Dichrometra palmata can vary, ranging from shades of brown and gray to a vibrant red or orange.

Habitat and Occurrence

Dichrometra palmata is a common resident of the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans. This means it can be found in a wide range of marine environments, from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) down to the shelf edge at approximately 200 meters depth. Its preferred habitats include rocky reefs, coral communities, and sandy bottoms. This widespread distribution within the neritic zone makes Dichrometra palmata a significant part of these diverse ecosystems.

Taxonomy

The scientific classification of Dichrometra palmata reflects its evolutionary history and relationships to other crinoids. It belongs to the Class Crinoidea, a diverse group of marine animals characterized by their radial symmetry and a distinctive feeding apparatus. Within the Crinoidea, Dichrometra palmata is part of the Order Comatulida, which includes all free-living crinoids, those that can move independently from their substrate. Finally, it is placed within the Family Mariametridae, a group of crinoids that share specific anatomical characteristics.

Feeding

Dichrometra palmata is a filter feeder, primarily consuming plankton, tiny organisms that drift in the water column. Using its feathery arms, Dichrometra palmata creates currents that draw plankton towards its mouth, which is located in the center of its calyx. This efficient feeding strategy allows Dichrometra palmata to thrive in its diverse marine habitats.