The Mediterranean Feather Star, also known as the Sea Lily, is characterized by its five arms, each bifurcated at the base, resulting in a total of ten delicate, feathery arms. These arms are adorned with double rows of small branches called pinnules. The species has a vestigial stalk with up to forty grasping cirri, which help it cling to surfaces. The calyx, a small cup-shaped structure at the base of the arms, supports its feeding apparatus. Colors can vary widely, from white and yellow to orange, red, brown, and dark purple, often displaying bands of contrasting hues. These arms can be rolled up when threatened, and if broken, they can regenerate.
Mediterranean Feather Stars are native to the Aegean Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and are also found around the Maltese Islands. They inhabit depths up to 80 meters, favoring areas with strong currents that bring abundant food. Typically, they reside on rocky or sandy seabeds rich in algae, or among sea grasses like Posidonia oceanica. During the day, they hide in concealed locations and emerge at night to feed in more exposed areas. They are often found clinging to sea whips, bryozoans, algae, or sea grasses.
Mediterranean Feather Stars are fascinating creatures that have been around since the Cretaceous period. They feed by filtering plankton and small particles from seawater, wrapping the food in mucus, and passing it to their central mouth via tube feet. They exhibit limited mobility, creeping on their cirri, “swimming” by alternately raising and lowering their arms, or “walking” along the seabed using their arm tips.
These crinoids are separate-sexed, with gonads located in the pinnules of their lower arms. Spawning occurs annually in the spring, triggered by testosterone in males and estradiol in females. The fertilized embryos are attached to the pinnules, hatching into free-swimming larvae that eventually settle on the seabed and metamorphose into juveniles.
You can encounter Mediterranean Feather Stars at various diving spots around Gozo. Three notable locations include:
Coral Cave in Dwejra: Near the famous Blue Hole on Gozo’s west coast, this site offers a rich variety of marine life, making it an ideal spot for observing Mediterranean Feather Stars clinging to the rocky surfaces and corals.
Mgarr ix-Xini: A sheltered bay on Gozo’s south coast, known for its clear waters and diverse underwater topography, provides an excellent habitat for these fascinating creatures.
Wardija Point dive site directly underneath the high cliffs above perfect for spotting Mediterranean Feather Stars, especially during night dives when they are most active.
Exploring these sites provides divers with an opportunity to witness the beauty and behaviour of the Mediterranean Feather Star in its natural habitat, adding an extra layer of excitement to the diving experience in Gozo.
