Neocrinus decorus
Neocrinus decorus is a bottom-dwelling sea lily.
Neocrinus decorus is a stalked crinoid, or sea lily, a type of echinoderm. Although it is flower-like in appearance, it is actually an animal. It lives on the sea floor in tropical Atlantic Ocean waters at depths down to 1200m.
Stalked crinoids were first described from fossils and were thought to be long extinct until they were discovered living in the Caribbean in the early 19th century. This surprising find caused quite a stir and they are still often known as living fossils.
Species detail
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Taxonomy
Learn about the form and structure of Neocrinus decorus and get a detailed description of the species.
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Biology
Neocrinus decorus has amazing powers of regeneration and can lose up to two thirds of its calyx and arms and still be capable of regenerating the missing parts. Find out more about the biology of this species, including information regarding its size, growth and lifecycle.
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Behaviour and ecology
Learn about the behavioural traits and feeding habits of this bottom-dwelling filter feeder.
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Distribution and conservation
Neocrinus decorus is known from deep sea, tropical waters in the Atlantic Ocean. Find out more about the distribution and habitat of this species and get information about its population biology and what threatens its survival.
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References
Get reference material for Neocrinus decorus.
Images
Neocrinus decorus is a bottom-dwelling sea lily.
Neocrinus decorus has mucus-covered tube feet on the pinnae of its arms which extend into the water and catch plankton.
Neocrinus decorus calyx with mouth, food groove and anus.
The arms of Neocrinus decorus. To catch plankton, crinoids such as N. decorus form their arms into a parabolic fan which they position within a current.
Infections can cause malformations of the calcite plates of Neocrinus decorus.
Neocrinus decorus arm with pinnae (top) and a cirri (bottom).
Author
Dr Tim Ewin
Invertebrates Curator in the Palaeontology Department.
