PORT PHILLIP BAY


Feather Star 

Ptilometra macronema (Müller, 1846)

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

See below for information.

Taxonomy

Phylum:
Echinodermata
Class:
Crinoidea
Order:
Comatulida
Family:
Ptilometridae
Genus:
Ptilometra
Species:
macronema

Other Names

  • Crinoid

General Description

A larger species usually with more than 10 arms. It differs from other Victorian crinoids in having long stiff pinnules that are triangular in cross section. The mouth is placed near the centre of the disc. Colour: orange or red, sometimes variegated with white or purple. Arm up to 12 cm long.

Biology

This larger species of crinoid is usually found in deep water attached to algae, sponges or gorgonians.

Habitat

Rocky subtidal reefs, in depths of 16-113 m.

Reefs

Sponge gardens

Distribution guide

Southern Australia, including western and central Victoria.

Species Group

Seastars and allies Feather stars

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

12 cm

Diet

Plankton or Particles

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Species Code

MoV 2668

Identify

Conservation Status

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

Author

article author O'Hara, T.

Dr. Tim O'Hara is a Senior Curator of marine invertebrates at Museum Victoria.

citation

Cite this page as:
O'Hara, T., 2011, Feather Star, Ptilometra macronema, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 09 Oct 2024, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/6590

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