Back
Himerometra robustipinna (Carpenter, 1881)
| Family Name: | Himerometridae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Invertebrates (Echinoderm) |
| Common Name: | Feather Star |
Name
Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | Unlike many feather stars that hide away in the daytime, this species lives completely exposed during the day, clinging to coral rock or live corals with its basal cirri. Often its arms are curled up and inwards, protecting the oral region. |
|---|---|
| Habitats | Coral Reef, Marine |
| Distribution | Indo-West Pacific. Noted in Singapore waters in the mid 1980s on reefs fringing the outermost of the Southern Islands. It has not been seen recently and its status is indeterminate. |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | Exploitation of this colourful, conspicuous feather star for the aquarium trade. Their habitat is generally readily accessible to disturbance by the growing number of recreational SCUBA divers. |
|---|---|
| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | An attractive and conspicuous feather star typical of offshore reefs and thus a potential indicator for general water quality. Contributes to underwater scenic value of local reefs for the growing number of local and visiting SCUBA divers. |
| Conservation Notes | The species is well known in neighbouring waters of the South China Sea. Its near disappearance from ingapore waters may signify imminent local extinction due either to changes in water quality, over-collection, or both. |
Status
| Singapore Red Data Book Status | Data Deficient (DD) [2008] |
|---|
Photos
References
| References | Davison, G.W.H., Ng, P.K.L. & Ho, H.C (Eds.). 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book (2nd Edition). Singapore: Nature Society (Singapore). 285pp |
|---|