What is this creature?

[bartonw]

I'm fairly new to underwater photography, and I snapped this shot in the Maldives a couple weeks ago. The only trouble, I don't know what the creature is. Does anybody out there know?

 

[DevonDiver]

It's a Feather Star / Crinoid.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crinoid

http://www.glaucus.org.uk/Feather.htm

If I had to guess 'type', I'd go with Robust Feather Star.

 

[designbysue]

WOW! Looks like a knot of computer wires!

 

[Thiad]

It's just bizarre... Nice picture!

 

[billmackbarnes]

Be careful! They will attack you!

Actually they are just sticky and will cling to you.
Then you look like an idiot when you come out of the water. hehe

They come in a variety of colors, may be closed up, may be opened up, may be actively combing the water, or even free swimming at times. They can also a home to small shrimp or possibly other creatures.

Bill

 

[DevonDiver]

Yeah, they are really beautiful when free-swimming....

 

[bartonw]

Thanks so much for all the info!

 

[Rick Murchison]

Yeah, they are really beautiful when free-swimming....

That is just super cool! All my years diving and all the crinoids I've seen, I've never seen one free swimming... I'd never have guessed they could free swim! A new wonder of the deep, that
Thanks!
Rick