©Lyle Vail: The same Dichrometra palmata specimen as above showing numerous cirri and the division series closely abutting each other (arrows).
Colours
Distinguishing features
A moderately-sized crinoid with up to about 40 very slender arms and numerous, robust cirri.
Colouration of this species is striking and varied. There is usually a concentric banding pattern evident and colours include green and white, grey and black, grey and brown, purple and white and uniform burnt orange.
It can be difficult to distinguish this species in the field from species of Stephanometra. Clark and Rowe (1971) note that Lamprometra has straight-sided division series that meet each other laterally. This is shown in the photo below. In contrast, the division series of Stephanometra are well separated. Both genera have enlarged proximal pinnules but those of Lamprometra taper to a flexible point, unlike those of Stephanometra which are stiff and spike-like.
Size
- Up to 25 cm (Length of specimen) - applies to Diameter up to 25 cm
Depth range
- Depth range data is not yet available.
Synonyms
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
Dichrometra palmata is generally completely concealed during the day within the reef or under rubble slabs. However, it is a conspicuous member of the nocturnal crinoid fauna. It emerges from its crevice just before sunset and climbs to an elevated perch nearby where it feeds during the night.
Chronotypes
Web resources
References
References that assist with identification
- Taylor, K.H., G.W. Rouse and C.G. Messing (2018). Revising Mariametridae: the genera Dichrometra, Lamprometra, and Liparometra (Echinodermata: Crinoidea). Systematics and Biodiversity, 16:2, 142-159, DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2017.1375044. LIRS catalog number 2196.
Other references
- Clark, A.M. and F.W.E. Rowe (1971). Monograph of shallow-water Indo-west Pacific echinoderms British Museum (Natural History), London.
- Meyer, D.L. (1979). Length and spacing of the tube feet in crinoids (Echinodermata) and their role in suspension-feeding, Marine Biology, 51: 361-369. LIRS catalog number 29.
- View all references