Crinoids are niether abundant or familiar organisms today.
The extant Crinoids are the only remaining attached suspension-feeding echinoderms. This makes them an important group for Paleontologists studying the numerous extinct attached suspension-feeding echinoderms because they have only the living crinoids to examine as an example of this ancient mode of life. The living stalked crinoids mostly inhabit deep water and are therefore difficult for the average underwater enthusiast to observe. Click on the buttons below to learn more about the Crinoidea.