![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPsnHd2i7a77lSAm_sScvcXMjS8K7vf3E9HO5RjN_kCjb5CSDkrEqe16SF13doRKcUsiefcU8to0wjjbLvskaXLrRXHqo3FhGsuzqcUlFDZwKB-L67dV3_YC3W1x6DbMnI3jAq8hvir28/s400/crinoid1.jpg) |
Image: NOAA Vents Program |
Stalked
Crinoids are those bizarre echinoderms that look like bony starfish with twice as many arms, resting on sticks.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCnuCC95EyHgkGyBpgr976Bse5ACoWQhwy3gUX5BSMM7sipCvqr9qhJTyVrRyXjQkAqYU4mLqcybqnawKHkuBbI3fYbdaUjKoKfpYQ53j3mdToXV_DSN41eeEsCDkAwtqrBm1OH-x3Us/s400/crinoid2.jpg) |
Image: NOAA Vents Program Palm trees on a cliff face |
Their arms are feathery so they can catch tiny specks of food....
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjb6daqgucJJJ4E64UMPIRu3aZXu_I7vIGMyORQjgVoPB_kujrkAZc4zh3nz9urA523naOWrNJhtRSjbviirin07jlSDqP-J6PiGIpJPaAiaDj1jbXU3tetYC3WVnFm1WkOxQAJMo-7I/s400/crinoid3.jpg) |
Image: NOAA Vents Program Palm tree surrounded by shrubbery |
Which makes them look just like palm trees!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqc9DEUpmSIE9x53Mp9cgH2IMHBjozfAAOJ3e6exq-ABmRATqwRzV4Xdw4Jjr_0ED1iF6o7oBk5NX3J58xXnmBBW_mhkLVorvkdrPLizoUqWssVudlCy-UySQZ_SScN5z5kwmnCy5zSMc/s400/crinoid4.jpg) |
Image: NOAA Vents Program Palm trees and flowers |
So if you ever happen to find yourself stranded in the deep sea with nothing but mud and volcanic rock formations for company...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcM1zFnLdchjSZZid6Dniodw2osm5nMfIY9pGheAJDjb377i6zlB4aA0z2yj4DfEY3w3S49HmykFmXmOWQ5-TrbFkp3QF7tT4IjNpUXKGzmgiNbRjOYluO752__q1_P_uz8oVHu-lipY/s400/crinoid5.jpg) |
Image: NOAA Vents Program Palm trees on a really big cliff face |
Head out to the nearest crinoid, squint a little and you'll be convinced you're relaxing on a tropical island!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYWsMx_mZs6bnzrT1WsfBdLg5xjWIH-91pSrxF8R1fu574ADUhgtNIzo-erGkwnk-C8-Ih5vc44aTUeym-GMQjK6kecuUTV5b0ZfwWjjMsAvzpmybmpikUo3ASq7Pw_35gwUb7wcfeEs/s400/crinoid6.jpg) |
Image: NOAA Vents Program Palm trees on rolling hills |
Tropical islands have their cold, foggy nights, too, you know.