Mariametridae

Common Names

Mariametridae are commonly called feather stars due to their feathery arms, which are covered in cirri (small, hair-like appendages) that help them to attach to surfaces and capture food. Some species are also known as comatulids or sea lilies, although the latter term is more broadly applied to other crinoid families.

Characteristics

Mariametridae are characterized by their distinct body structure and unique features:

• Five arms: They have five arms that are typically branched, giving them their feathery appearance.
• Cirri: Their arms are covered in numerous cirri, which aid in attachment and food capture.
• Central disc: Their body is centered around a central disc, which contains the mouth and anus.
• Calyx: The central disc is surrounded by a calyx, a cup-like structure that houses the internal organs.
• Mobility: Most feather stars are highly mobile, using their arms and cirri to move across the seabed or to swim short distances.

Environment

Mariametridae are found in a variety of marine environments, typically in shallow water. They are common in tropical and subtropical waters, but some species can tolerate colder temperatures and deeper depths. They prefer rocky substrates or coral reefs, where they can attach themselves for stability.

Ecology

Feather stars play a significant role in their ecosystems. They are filter feeders, using their cirri to trap plankton and other small organisms from the water column. This makes them important contributors to nutrient cycling and food webs. They also serve as habitats for other marine life, providing refuge for small invertebrates and fish.

References

For further information on Mariametridae, you can consult these reliable sources:

• World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
• Feather stars (Echinodermata: Crinoidea: Comatulida) from the Eastern Tropical Pacific: Taxonomic and Ecological perspectives
• ResearchGate