Bennett's feather star (Oxycomanthus bennetti)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Oxycomanthus bennetti
- Common name
- Bennett's feather star
- Category
- Echinoderms
- Family
- Comatulidae
- Genus
- Oxycomanthus
- Size
- 15–25 cm
- Depth
- 2–30 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, filter-feeder
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific
Description
Oxycomanthus bennetti reaches 25 cm. Feather star crinoid with numerous bifurcated feather-shaped arms (40-60) bearing characteristic short lateral pinnules. Highly variable colors: yellow, orange, red, brown, black, purple with bands. Lives from 2 to 30 m often perched on gorgonians, corals and coralligenous of coral drop-offs in Indo-Pacific currents. Listed LC. Suspensivore filter feeder, slowly moves at night, clings to high points during day to fish plankton. Often hosts commensal shrimp (Periclimenes). Iconic photo subject.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Bennett's feather star?
- Bennett's feather star (Oxycomanthus bennetti) reaches 15–25 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Bennett's feather star?
- Bennett's feather star is found between 2–30 m deep.
- Is the Bennett's feather star dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Bennett's feather star?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Bennett's feather star?
- Found in: Asian Pacific.
Similar species
- Paracentrotus lividus - Purple sea urchin
- Astropecten aranciacus - Red comb star
- Ophiothrix fragilis - Common brittle star
- Holothuria tubulosa - Tubular sea cucumber
- Ophidiaster ophidianus - Purple sea star
- Hacelia attenuata - Attenuated sea star
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 246787)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 4340996)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia