Feather Starfish

Stephanometra sp.

Identification	Numerous feathery arms (10–200+) covered in sticky pinnules radiating from a central holdfast. Colors range from yellow to orange to dark brown. Technically a crinoid, not a true starfish.
Maximum Length	Up to 12 inches arm span
Origin	Indo-Pacific
Minimum Tank Size	50 gallons
Reef Compatibility	Reef safe

Behavior

Attaches to rockwork or coral with claw-like cirri and extends arms into the current to filter feed. Requires a specific, steady water current directed toward its arms. Primarily nocturnal.

Diet & Feeding

Filter feeder. Captures zooplankton and organic particles with sticky pinnules. Requires regular zooplankton feeding (Reef Roids, copepods, or live phytoplankton) directed into the current near the animal.

Cautions

Difficult to keep long-term without regular target feeding. Arms are extremely fragile — do not handle. Requires strong directional current to feed. May consume very small ornamental shrimp.