Common name: Feather star
General information
The Mediterranean Feather Star, Antedon mediterranea, is a species of crinoid, a type of echinoderm related to sea urchins and starfish. Feather stars are known for their ornate, feather-like arms which they use for both locomotion and feeding. Antedon mediterranea is particularly admired for its beauty and the graceful way it moves through the water.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 100 liter (26 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 18 to 24 °C (64 to 75 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 20 cm (8″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality
- Diet
- Planktonivore Feeds on suspended particles
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumEchinodermsEchinodermata
- ClassFeather StarsCrinoidea
- OrderFeather StarsComatulida
- FamilyFeather StarAntedonidae
- GenusFeather StarAntedon
- SpeciesFeather starAntedon mediterranea (Lamarck, 1816)
- SynonymsAntedon adriatica A.H. Clark, 1911Comatula annulata Risso, 1826Comatula mediterranea Lamarck, 1816
Care
Feather stars require a specialized care regimen due to their unique feeding and environmental needs. They thrive in well-established aquariums with strong water movement and excellent water quality. Hobbyists should provide a varied diet of planktonic foods to mimic their natural feeding habits.
Reproduction
Reproduction in Antedon mediterranea involves the release of gametes into the water column, where fertilization occurs externally. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but with optimal conditions, it is possible to observe spawning behavior.
Symbiosis
While not known for specific symbiotic relationships like clownfish and anemones, feather stars can provide microhabitats for small organisms within their arms and structure.
Habitat
Antedon mediterranea is found in the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent Atlantic coasts. They typically inhabit rocky substrates and seagrass beds, often attaching themselves to substrates with their cirri (small, claw-like appendages) to filter feed on plankton.