Size

Disk diameter: 0.5cm (0.25") Arm length: reaching to 2.5cm (1")

Recognition Characters

Crinoid has five arms centrally fused to the centrodorsal disk that divide immediately into two and produce a total of 10 branches or arms. Numerous (over 20) slender, jointed cirri radiate from the margin of the centrodorsal disk. Each cirri has a small hook or claw on the terminal end.

Color

Varies in color. Arms can be tipped red, purple, yellow, or orange.

Habitat & Depth

Hide in cracks and crevices or underneath protected recesses of other sessile animals on reefs.

Distribution at GRNMS

Rare at GRNMS. More common on deeper reefs.

Geographic Range

Georgia, Florida Atlantic Coast, Bahamas. Remainder of distribution unknown.

Behavior & Notes

Usually only feather arms will be extended from recesses in reef. Often times remains central disk remains hidden underneath sponge or rock. Uses cirri to attach to substrate. Animal is a planktonic feeder.

Synonyms

References

Meinkoth 1981