Understanding the rosy feather star

We are so lucky at Portland Marina to have a fantastic bio-diverse underwater landscape beneath our pontoons. With a selection of corals, clams, fish and sponges among many others lurky just beneath our very feet. 

This Summer we have been fortunate to learn much more about the underwater world within the marina, thanks to two of our lovely berth holders who happen to be award winning photographers, Ryan and Sandra Stalker.  Through their exploration, they have shown a fascination at the rosy feather stars that we are so lucky to be home to. With over 20 years of diving the local waters, they have not seen these creatures anywhere else in Dorset! 

Rosy feather stars, or scientifically known as Antedon bifida, can be characterised by their small, concave disc body surrounded by ten feathery arms that can reach lengths up to 10cm. The colour of the arms varies, including red, yellow, orange, and violet. They are normally found in north-west Europe and have also been spotted in the Shetland Islands and Portugal. 

The rosy feather star plays a significant role in the marine ecosystem as a filter feeder and it's presence indicates healthy marine environments! Just the thing we strive for at Portland Marina.