Mediterranean feather star (Antedon mediterranea)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Antedon mediterranea
- Common name
- Mediterranean feather star
- Category
- Echinoderms
- Family
- Antedonidae
- Genus
- Antedon
- Size
- 8–20 cm
- Depth
- 5–200 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef, coral-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, filter-feeder
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Mediterranean
Description
Antedon mediterranea reaches 20 cm arms. Endemic Mediterranean crinoid (Echinodermata, feather star) with small central body (calyx) red-black surrounded by 10 thin red-orange to red-brown fringed arms forming elegant fan. Ventral cirri to attach to substrates. Lives from 5 to 200 m on gorgonians, hard corals and coralligenous of Mediterranean. Nocturnal suspensivore filter feeder, diurnally remains closed in ball on host. Signature macro photo subject of Med coralligenous dives for vivid colors. Med cousin of numerous Indo-Pacific crinoids.
Photo of Mediterranean feather star
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Mediterranean feather star?
- Mediterranean feather star (Antedon mediterranea) reaches 8–20 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Mediterranean feather star?
- Mediterranean feather star is found between 5–200 m deep.
- Is the Mediterranean feather star dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Mediterranean feather star?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Mediterranean feather star?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Antedon
Other species in the family Antedonidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 124208)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5721033)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia