Common name: Feather star

Scientific name: Antedon mediterranea (Lamarck, 1816)

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

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Echinoderms
    Echinodermata
  3. Class
    Feather Stars
    Crinoidea
  4. Order
    Feather Stars
    Comatulida
  5. Family
    Feather Star
    Antedonidae
  6. Genus
    Feather Star
    Antedon
  7. Species
    Feather star
    Antedon mediterranea (Lamarck, 1816)
  8. Synonyms
    Antedon adriatica A.H. Clark, 1911
    Comatula annulata Risso, 1826
    Comatula 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.