Sea Lily

A sea lily, also called a feather-star (Class Crinoidea). These are marine bottom-dwelling animals closely related to starfishes, and are found from shallow waters to deep sea beds. One can sight these near rocky shores, where they remain attached to rocks or occasionally creep across the shore. The arms have grooves down which microscopic food is transported to the mouth in the centre.
Only about 600 crinoid species exist today (a really small number compared to other invertebrates); most of the once-abundant prehistoric species are now extinct.

Clicked in the shallow water of a tide pool at Majali, Karnataka.
Canon 550D (borrowed), 18-55mm lens @33mm
SS 1/400
Av 7.1
ISO 400
Full frame image

Will later post images from other angles to better explain the structure of this animal.
Thanks, C&C welcome.

Nice to see this species. Looks more like a plant than an animal. Good details. Thanks for sharing the detailed information. Look forward to more in the series.

Fascinating creature. How big was it and how many did you find?

Sabyasachi: This one was about the size of one's hand. They are found in plenty in the post-monsoon season.