Story: Starfish, sea urchins and other echinoderms

Feather star

Feather star

Normally this species of feather star is a deep-sea dweller, but in the murky waters of Fiordland, they are common at depths of 6–30 metres. Their numerous feathery arms trap tiny food particles that are carried in currents. Feather stars crawl about by means of little appendages called cirri. These also anchor the creature to sponges or corals, as shown here.

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Ryan Photographic
Photograph by Paddy Ryan

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How to cite this page:

Maggy Wassilieff, 'Starfish, sea urchins and other echinoderms - Other echinoderms', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/5199/feather-star (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Maggy Wassilieff, published 12 Jun 2006