Antedonidae

Antedonidae is a family of feather stars, which are crinoids belonging to the class Crinoidea. Feather stars are marine animals that are closely related to starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers. They are characterized by their feathery arms, which they use to filter food from the water. There are over 200 species of feather stars found worldwide, and they are especially diverse in tropical waters.

Feather Star – Antedon petasus

Mediterranean Feather Star – Antedon mediterranea

Antedon loveni

Rosy Feather Star – Antedon bifida

Common Names

Members of the Antedonidae family are commonly known as feather stars, comatulid crinoids, or free-living crinoids.

Characteristics

Feather stars are distinguished from other crinoids by their ability to move freely, unlike their stalked relatives, which are fixed to the seafloor. They have a central body called a calyx that contains their internal organs, and from this calyx extend five or more long, feathery arms. Each arm is divided into many smaller segments, which are covered in tiny, feathery appendages called cirri. These cirri are used for feeding and locomotion.

Environments

Antedonidae feather stars are found in a variety of marine environments, including:

  • Coral reefs
  • Seagrass beds
  • Rocky shores
  • Deep-sea environments

They prefer shallow, clear waters, and are often found clinging to corals, rocks, or other substrates. Some species are even pelagic, meaning they live in the open ocean.

Feeding

Feather stars are suspension feeders, meaning they filter food from the water. Their feathery arms are covered in tiny, sticky appendages that trap microscopic plankton, algae, and other organic particles. These particles are then transported to their mouths, located in the center of the calyx.

Reproduction

Most feather stars reproduce sexually. They release sperm and eggs into the water, where fertilization takes place. The fertilized eggs develop into tiny larvae that drift in the water column for several weeks before settling on a substrate and transforming into adults. Some species of feather stars can also reproduce asexually, by breaking off parts of their arms to form new individuals.

References

For further information, refer to the following resources: