Description
Oxymanthus benneti, also known as Anneissia bennetti, is a large feather star species characterized by its numerous feathery arms (31-120) used for filter-feeding. These arms, with their finger-like pinnules, trap food particles like detritus, phytoplankton, and zooplankton from the water column. A defining feature is its large, thick centrodorsal (body) with long, robust cirri (3-4.5 cm) used for attachment and later for elevation when free-living. These cirri help distinguish it from similar species.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Size and Appearance:
Oxymanthus benneti is one of the larger feather star species, reaching up to 30 cm in diameter.
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Feeding:
They are filter feeders, capturing suspended food particles with their numerous feathery arms.
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Arms and Pinnules:
The arms are equipped with many pinnules, which are finger-like projections that increase the surface area for trapping food.
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Centrodorsal and Cirri:
The body (centrodorsal) is large and thick, with long, robust cirri used for initially attaching to a substrate and later for elevation and movement.
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Life Cycle:
They begin life attached to a stalk, but become free-living as adults, using their cirri to position themselves for feeding.
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Symbiosis:
Oxymanthus benneti is known to host various species of polychaete worms, offering them shelter, food, and protection in a commensalistic relationship.
