A modern crinoid showing steam with root or hold-fast attachment, and a crown composed of the calyx and branching arms.

Crinoid

A modern crinoid showing steam with root or hold-fast attachment, and a crown composed of the calyx…

An illustration of a simple five armed crinoid with a detailed view of the tegmen of five orals. Crinoids, also known as sea lilies or feather-stars, are marine animals that make up the class Crinoidea of the echinoderms (phylum Echinodermata). They live both in shallow water and in depths as great as 6,000 meters. Crinoids are characterized by a mouth on the top surface that is surrounded by feeding arms. They have a U-shaped gut, and their anus is located next to the mouth.

Simple Crinoid

An illustration of a simple five armed crinoid with a detailed view of the tegmen of five orals. Crinoids,…