Feather Starfish

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The Feather Starfish is a spectacular and unusual marine invertebrate recognised by its delicate, feather-like arms. Unlike many aquarium starfish, Feather Stars are specialised suspension feeders, using their feathery arms to capture microscopic food particles from the water column.

They are considered advanced aquarium animals and can be challenging to maintain long term. A mature, well-established aquarium with strong biological filtration, excellent water quality and a continuous supply of appropriately sized planktonic foods is essential.

Feather Stars generally do not graze algae or clean the substrate, so they should not be purchased as a conventional clean-up crew animal.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Crinoidea sp.
• Difficulty: Advanced
• Lighting: Low to moderate
• Flow: Moderate to strong, varied flow
• Temperature: 24–27°C
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
• Diet: Phytoplankton, zooplankton and fine suspended foods
• Minimum Aquarium: 150L+
• Placement: Rockwork and areas with suitable flow
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Reef Compatibility: Generally reef compatible
• Tank Maturity: Mature aquarium essential
• Feeding: Frequent feeding may be required

FAQ

What does a Feather Starfish eat?

Feather Stars are suspension feeders that capture tiny particles and plankton from the water column. They require appropriately sized foods rather than relying on algae or detritus.

Are Feather Starfish reef safe?

Generally yes. They are peaceful and do not normally damage corals or fish.

Are Feather Starfish easy to keep?

No. They are considered advanced aquarium animals because maintaining an adequate, continuous food supply can be challenging.

Does it need strong flow?

Good water movement is important because Feather Stars rely on currents to deliver suspended food to their feeding arms. Avoid extremely turbulent flow that prevents them from feeding effectively.

Common Mistakes

Assuming they are clean-up crew animals

Feather Stars are suspension feeders and do not primarily eat algae or detritus.

Not providing enough food

Insufficient nutrition is one of the biggest challenges when keeping these animals long term.

Adding one to a new aquarium

Mature systems generally provide a richer and more stable food environment.

Using excessive mechanical filtration

Overly aggressive filtration can remove suspended food before the Feather Star can consume it.

Poor water quality

Despite their feeding requirements, they still need excellent and stable marine water conditions.