Comatulids are relatively fragile organisms.
Trawled specimens often fragment before they can be preserved. Some taxa respond to preservative by flexing their arms aborally, others orally, so gentle finger pressure may be required to keep the animal flat. For shipping, specimens, especially larger ones, may be removed from alcohol, soaked in glycerol to maintain flexibility, and placed in heat-sealed plastic envelopes to reduce both shipment weight and volume. Colors tend to fade upon preservation, especially if alcohol is used, so detailed color notes should be made while the animals are alive. This procedure normally destroys the articular face, however.