Free-floating Crinoids, a.k.a. feather stars, are mesmerizing deep-sea creatures that dance in water like stars dance around a black holeOpens in a new tab: that is to say, gracefully. The smooth-moving feather stars ribbon their limbs through the ocean for motive force, and put on an entrancing show while doing so. The one in the clip immediately below, for example, may possess you with its bizarre fluidity.
I feel like we will always discover something new in the ocean https://t.co/oMrrM1ComSOpens in a new tab
— ARTntings (@artntings) October 18, 2020Opens in a new tab
The viral clip of the feather star has been going around Twitter recently, and was retweeted by user ARTntingsOpens in a new tab. And while the origin of the clip is unclear, there’s still plenty of great footage of feather stars out there. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) posted one particularly enlightening clip of the creatures (below). And there are, apparently, a ton of different species, all with their own unique aesthetics.
According to the MBARIOpens in a new tab video, crinoids populate areas from the Arctic to Baja, California, and dwell at around 33 feet below the ocean’s surface. In regards to feeding, the animals use their feathery arms to catch plankton passing by. Once they’ve caught the plankton, the stars then wiggle the food up to their mouths.
Incidentally, feather stars have cousin crinoids that are not able to swim through the water. These stationary crinoids are commonly referred to as sea liliesOpens in a new tab. And while not as mesmerizing without the movement, they are still stunning.
MBARI
And, speaking of stunning deep-sea creatures, there have been a lot of them on display lately; including these cinnamon roll-like “Venus Girdles,”Opens in a new tab and these elegant sea angel slugsOpens in a new tab. MBARI scientists have even been kind enough to put out a top ten listOpens in a new tab of their favorite oceanic animals. And no, none of them dance as beautifully as the feather star does. Although some of them do light up with rainbowsOpens in a new tab when they’re feasting.
Feature image: MBARIOpens in a new tab
