Image 6-19
Yellow Crinoid

This image of a yellow crinoid was captured by NOAA photographers on Apo Reef in the waters off the coast of Occidental Mindoro in the Philippines. Crinoids are echinoderms, which is the same group that includes starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers. Crinoids are found in a variety of environments around the world at depths of up to 20,000 feet (6,000 meters). Known also as feather stars, crinoids are characterized by their long, feathery arms that they use to filter food particles from the flowing sea water.