The family Comatulidae, also known as the feather stars, is a group of marine animals that belong to the phylum Echinodermata. These creatures are characterized by their feathery or fluffy appearance, which is due to their numerous branched arms.
Synonyms for the family Comatulidae include crinoids, sea lilies, comatulids, and feather stars. These synonyms highlight different aspects of these fascinating animals: crinoids and sea lilies emphasize their resemblance to flowers or plants, while comatulids and feather stars emphasize their delicate, ethereal appearance. While they may look delicate, feather stars are actually quite hardy and adaptable, with some species able to live in a wide range of environments and depths.