Feather Star
Florometra serratissima
Feather stars are a type of crinoid, a relative of sea stars and urchins. They are known for their distinctive plume-like arms. Florometra serratissima is a yellow-brown species of feather star found in coastal waters of west coast of North America. They attach to the seafloor and stretch their arms out to catch food like plankton and detritus from the ocean currents flowing past them. Although they resemble plants, they are actually animals!
Originally published: May 02, 2025
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Feather star Credit: Robin Riggs / Aquarium of the Pacific
SPECIES IN DETAIL
Feather Star
Florometra serratissima
CONSERVATION STATUS: Not evaluated
CLIMATE CHANGE:
Geographic Distribution
This species of feather star is found from Baja California to Alaska.
Habitat
This species of feather star lives in shallow coastal waters to depths of 3,300 ft (1km).
Physical Characteristics
These stars are known for their plume like appearance due to their long and flexible branching arms (pinnule). Their sticky tube feet occur in groups of three of varying lengths along the groves of each arm. These stars also have hook-like legs (cirri) underneath their body which allow them to anchor onto surfaces.
Size
This feather star can get 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter.
Diet
They are suspension feeders and move into the currents to eat food like plankton. One side remains rigid to maintain its water position, while the other side flexes to bring food to their mouth.
They produce mucus which acts like a sieve to catch their food. Their tube feet shuttle particles into grooves with the aid of cilia (microscopic hairs) that act like a conveyor belt!
Reproduction
Feather stars are either male or female and produce sperm or eggs (up to millions of them!) respectively. Broadcast spawning occurs when both are released into the water where fertilization happens. The larvae must grow into juveniles before they can attach themselves to the seafloor.
Behavior
Feather stars move using their sticky tube feet, which is powered by fluid moving through a series of canals in their body. Although they can appear stiffly rooted in place with their hook like legs (cirri), they can be quite flexible and move to stay within the ocean currents.
Adaptation
Feather stars can regenerate their arms as a defensive measure. Sea stars have simplified internal systems, relying on a central nerve ring instead of a brain.
Longevity
Feather stars in their natural habitats may live as long as eight to ten years.
Conservation
While feather stars are numerous right now, they are not immune to climate concerns. Feather stars’ reproduction in the ocean may be affected by rising water temperatures, poorer quality of light, and changes to the salinity of water. These may affect their growth rate, spawning capabilities and larval development.
Special Notes
Feather stars have no bones but do have internal hard plates that give them structure.
SPECIES IN DETAIL | Print full entry
Feather Star
Florometra serratissima
CONSERVATION STATUS: Not evaluated
CLIMATE CHANGE:
This species of feather star is found from Baja California to Alaska.
This species of feather star lives in shallow coastal waters to depths of 3,300 ft (1km).
These stars are known for their plume like appearance due to their long and flexible branching arms (pinnule). Their sticky tube feet occur in groups of three of varying lengths along the groves of each arm. These stars also have hook-like legs (cirri) underneath their body which allow them to anchor onto surfaces.
This feather star can get 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter.
They are suspension feeders and move into the currents to eat food like plankton. One side remains rigid to maintain its water position, while the other side flexes to bring food to their mouth.
They produce mucus which acts like a sieve to catch their food. Their tube feet shuttle particles into grooves with the aid of cilia (microscopic hairs) that act like a conveyor belt!
Feather stars are either male or female and produce sperm or eggs (up to millions of them!) respectively. Broadcast spawning occurs when both are released into the water where fertilization happens. The larvae must grow into juveniles before they can attach themselves to the seafloor.
Feather stars move using their sticky tube feet, which is powered by fluid moving through a series of canals in their body. Although they can appear stiffly rooted in place with their hook like legs (cirri), they can be quite flexible and move to stay within the ocean currents.
Feather stars can regenerate their arms as a defensive measure. Sea stars have simplified internal systems, relying on a central nerve ring instead of a brain.
Feather stars in their natural habitats may live as long as eight to ten years.
While feather stars are numerous right now, they are not immune to climate concerns. Feather stars’ reproduction in the ocean may be affected by rising water temperatures, poorer quality of light, and changes to the salinity of water. These may affect their growth rate, spawning capabilities and larval development.
Feather stars have no bones but do have internal hard plates that give them structure.