Mediterranean Feather Star

Photo: Sarah Faulwetter · CC BY

Feather stars cling to gorgonian branches and rocky projections on the wall, extending their delicate pinnules into the current to filter particles from the water column. They are mobile and will reposition themselves to optimise their feeding orientation in shifting conditions. Their crinoid arms — up to 15 centimetres long — harbour numerous commensal shrimp and small fish that are invisible until careful examination reveals them nestled in the pinnule bases.