Swimming Sea Lily, Swimming Crinoid – Analcidometra armata

The Swimming Sea Lily, Swimming Crinoid, scientifically known as Analcidometra armata, is a fascinating marine invertebrate belonging to the class Crinoidea, a group more commonly known as sea lilies and feather stars. It is a member of the order Comatulida and the family Colobometridae. Analcidometra armata is distinguished by its unique ability to swim, a trait not shared by most other crinoid species.

Description & Characteristics

Analcidometra armata is characterized by its delicate, feathery arms, which can extend to a maximum length of several centimeters. These arms are covered in cirri, small, finger-like appendages that aid in movement and feeding. Like other crinoids, Analcidometra armata possesses a central body, or calyx, from which the arms radiate. This calyx is typically small and compact, giving the organism its overall graceful appearance.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Swimming Sea Lily, Swimming Crinoid, Analcidometra armata, is found in a variety of marine habitats, including the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, deep zone of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. neritic. This means that it can be observed in both shallow coastal waters and deeper oceanic environments. Its preference for these environments makes it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems.

Taxonomy

The species Analcidometra armata belongs to the Class: Crinoidea, Order: Comatulida, and Family: Colobometridae. This classification places it within a diverse group of echinoderms that have a long evolutionary history dating back to the Paleozoic Era.

Feeding

Analcidometra armata is a filter feeder, meaning it captures food particles suspended in the water column. Its diet consists primarily of copepods, other small invertebrates, mucus, phytoplankton, and zooplankton. The cirri on its arms trap these food particles, which are then transported to the mouth located in the center of the calyx. This feeding strategy allows Analcidometra armata to thrive in environments where food resources may be scattered and difficult to find.