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Home > Invertebrates
> Crinoids
Updated 4/25/2020
Phylum
Echinodermata
Class
Crinoidea
Feather
Stars or Crinoids
| Crinoids are attractive echinoderms with long arms used to capture
bits of organic matter from the current. They are common in the
Indo-Pacific region but are restricted to very deep water in the
Hawaiian Islands. Commensal fishes and invertebrates may be found
within the delicate arms. Avoid touching crinoids with gloves as
tiny hooks on the arms stick to fabric like velcro resulting in damage
to the animal, namely broken arms. |
INDO-PACIFIC
Various
crinoid species
Class Ophiuroidea
Basket Stars
| Although similar at first glance to crinoids, basket stars are
more closely related to brittle stars. They extend their
arms at night to feed in the current and curl into a tight ball
and hide in crevices during the day. They are also very
sensitive to dive lights. |
INDO-PACIFIC
Astroboa nuda
Wakatobi, Indonesia, 4 feet
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BASKET STAR
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Occasional on reefs exposed to current at
night. Attains extended width of at least 3 feet. Color light or dark brown.
Rapidly curls up and retreats from bright light. Indo-Pacific. |
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