Distinguishing features

Comasterids are distinguised from all other featherstar families by having terminal segments of the oral pinnules modified to form a comb. Comasterids a also have a distinctive "feel" due to well developed hooks on most pinnules that cause them to cling like velcro. All Oxycomanthus species have oral pinnules that end in a sharp point but this character is not useful in the field.

Oxycomanthus comanthipinna is a small semi-cryptic crinoid with up to 25 quite stiff, slender arms and a few cirri.

Although colour pattern of the species varies across its wider geographic range, at Lizard Island the colour pattern is consistent enough to enable identification from even a few arm tips protruding from a crevice. Brachials are irridescent blue or blue/green with a longitudinal row of yellow or pale spots on the underside. Pinnules are black with a very even row of yellow spots and the pinnule tips are often orange.

Size

Depth range

Synonyms

Distribution

Distribution and habitat preferences

Central body mass always hidden, usually found with a few arms protruding from a crevice during the day.

Found most commonly on exposed reef slopes from North Point around the northern, eastern and southern side of the Lizard Island group.

Web resources

References