Story: Starfish, sea urchins and other echinoderms
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.
About this item
Ryan Photographic
Photograph by Paddy Ryan
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