Seafeather – Stephanometra indica is a species of feather star belonging to the family Mariametridae. These delicate creatures, known for their feathery arms, are found in various marine environments across the globe.
Description & Characteristics
Seafeather – Stephanometra indica is a relatively large feather star, typically reaching a maximum size of several inches in length. They possess a central body, known as the calyx, from which numerous slender arms extend. The arms are covered in fine pinnules, giving them their characteristic feathery appearance. These pinnules are covered in tiny, tube-like structures called cirri, which help the Seafeather – Stephanometra indica to grip onto hard surfaces.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Seafeather – Stephanometra indica is a common inhabitant of the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, deep zone of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. neritic. They are typically found in rocky reefs, coral reefs, and seagrass beds, where they can attach themselves to various substrates. They prefer environments with moderate water currents, which help to deliver food to them.
Taxonomy
Seafeather – Stephanometra indica belongs to the Class: Crinoidea, Order: Comatulida, and Family: Mariametridae. Crinoidea is a class of echinoderms characterized by their radial symmetry and the presence of arms. Comatulida is an order within the Crinoidea, known for their ability to move freely and their feathery arms. The Mariametridae family is a diverse group of feather stars, many of which are found in tropical and subtropical waters.
Feeding
The Seafeather – Stephanometra indica is a suspension feeder, meaning that it captures its food from the surrounding water. Its feathery arms create a filter, trapping small organisms like copepods, nekton, plankton, and zooplankton. These microscopic organisms are then transported to the mouth, located at the center of the calyx.
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