Other Names

• Crinoid

General Description

Adults with between 10 and 25 arms. Colour orange, brown or yellow, but occasionally purple or white or with bright green tips to the arms. The anal cone is centrally placed on the disc and the mouth lies to one side. The oral pinnules are relatively long and have paired teeth on segments near the tip. Arm up to 23 cm long.

Biology

This is the most conspicuous species of crinoids in southern Australia. The body is usually kept hidden in a rock crevice, with only the long arms reaching out into the water to feed.

Habitat

Rocky subtidal reefs, usually in areas with strong wave action or currents, in depths of 0-70 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Seastars and allies › Feather stars

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

23 cm

Diet

Plankton or Particles

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Species Code

MoV 1866

Identify

• Feather stars

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed