Habitat: Rocky reef in crevices or under rocks with arms visible
Depth: Lower intertidal to 10+ metres
The most easily recognisable feather star in the shallows in SA, and one of the largest, Cenolia trichoptera is usually hidden under rocks. However, it can often be seen by its arms, which poke out to catch food from the water. It is a black to dark reddish-brown in colour, with distinctive golden to orange pinnules on its arms. This colouration distinguishes it from other species, particularly the closely-related Cenolia tasmaniae.
