The golden crinoid may appear fragile with its long, slender arms spread out. Its arms, numbering in multiples of 5, resemble delicate « feathers » and measure around 8 inches in length.

The central area or main central ridge is most often black, while the secondary ridges or pinnules - to use the scientific term - display a splendid gradient from black to golden yellow toward the tips.

Held upright, its arms curl slightly at the tips into a crook-like shape.

The golden crinoid is found in the tropical waters of the western Atlantic ocean, from northern Florida to Brazil in the south, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico. The golden crinoid is a common species found on Caribbean sea reefs, around the Bahamas and throughout the many islands of the West Indies (Guadeloupe, …).

The golden crinoid is found at depths ranging from about 33 to 131 feet. It takes advantage of the richness and diversity of reef structures, using its cirri - small appendages at the base of its body - to anchor itself in areas exposed to currents, making it easier to capture food.

With its arms spread out in areas exposed to currents, it captures plankton suspended in the water like « combs ». The food is then transported toward its mouth, located at the center of its body.

The golden crinoid is oviparous, meaning that the female lays eggs that are fertilized by the male. The eggs remain attached to the female's pinnules until the larvae hatch. The feather star regains its mobility after several months of a larval stage attached to the seabed.

Unlike most feather stars, which are nocturnal, you may have the opportunity to observe the golden crinoid during the day ! The golden crinoid takes advantage of the inside of a sponge or crevices in the reef to hide, while extending its arms outside to feed !