Cirinods

OCCASIONAL PAPER NO.
OCCASIONAL PAPER NO.
Common
Crinoids
of
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
K. Venkataraman1
C. Raghunathan2
Koushik Sadhukhan2
Tamal Mondal2
1
Zoological Survey of India
Prani Vigyan Bhavan, M- Block, New Alipore,
Kolkata-700 053
2
Zoological Survey of India
Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre
National Coral Reef Research Institute
Port Blair-744 102, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
ZOOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

National Coral Reef Research Institute
CITATION
Venkataraman, K., Raghunathan, C., Koushik Sadhukhan and Tamal Mondal
2011. Common Crinoids of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Rec. Zool. Surv. India,
Occ. Paper No., 1-52. (Published by the Director, Zool. Surv. India, Kolkata)
Published: December, 2011
ISBN –
©Government of India, 2011
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Published at the Publication Division by the Director, Zoological Survey of India,

M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700 053
Rec. Zool. Surv. India, Occ. Paper No.
Page
Introduction 1
Biology of Crinoids 2
Anatomy 2
Locomotion 4
Reproduction and Embryology 5
Water Vascular System 6
Nervous System 6
Phylogenetic Evolution 7
Classification of Crinoidea 8
Key Characters 9
Study Areas 13
Collection and Preservation 17
Morphological Features 18
Order: Comatulida 18
Family: Comasteridae 18
1. Comanthus parvicirrus 18
2. Comanthus wahlbergi 20
3. Comanthus alternans 21
4. Comanthina nobilis 22
5. Comaster schlegeli 23
6. Comaster multibrachiata 24
7. Comaster multifidus 25
8. Comaster audax 26
9. Capillaster multiradiatus 27
10. Comantula pectinata 28
11. Phanogenia multibrachiata 29
12. Oxycomanthus bennetti 30
Family: Himerometridae 31
13. Himerometra robustipinna 31
14. Himerometra magnipinna 33
15. Heterometra philiberti 34
16. Heterometra crenulata 35
17. Amphimetra molleri 36
Family: Mariametridae 37
18. Lampometra palmata 37
19. Stephanometra indica 38
Family: Colombometridae 39
20. Cenometra bella 39
21. Cenometra emendatrix 40
22. Colobometra perspinosa 41
23. Petasometra clarae 42
24. Oligometra serripinna 43
Family: Pontimetridae 44
25. Pontimetra andersoni 44
Family: Zygometridae 45
26. Zygometra andromeda 45
Family: Tropiometridae 46
27. Tropiometra carinata 46
28. Tropiometra afra 47
Checklist of Crinoids in India 48
Acknowledgements 51
References 51
VENKATARAMAN et al.: Common Crinoids of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
INTRODUCTION
Crinoids are one of the most important classes with 600 species of phylum
Echinodermata. Many crinoids live in the deep sea, but others are common on
coral reefs. It shows a great deal of fossil records which are the basic guidelines
to carry out research as well as lots of information for long past to modern
decades. The earliest possible echinoderms appeared in the late Proterozoic,
but there has been very little fossil material discovered until the early and
middle Cambrian. Echinoderms began to appear in greater numbers during the
early to middle Cambrian. The earliest fossil crinoid may have been
Echmatocrinus, from the famous Burgess Shale of the middle Cambrian; some
paleontologists, however, do not feel that Echmatocrinus was a true crinoid. By
the beginning of the Ordovician many groups of echinoderms flourished,
especially the crinoids. The crinoids were the most abundant group of
echinoderms from the early Ordovician to the late Paleozoic, when they, along
with the rest of the echinoderms, nearly went extinct during the Permo-Triassic
extinction. Only a single genus of crinoid is known from the early Triassic, which
eventually gave rise to the extant articulate crinoids. In fact, in many Paleozoic
and Mesozoic settings entire carbonate shelves were composed
predominantly of crinoidal remains (Ausich 1997). While the crinoids were the
dominant echinoderm of the Paleozoic with more than 6,000 described
species, there are only 600 or so species living today. This small number of living
representatives complicates the task of reconstructing a comprehensive
phylogeny for the crinoids. The taxon Crinoidea was established in 1821 by J. S.
Miller pulling the stalked crinoids out of the starfish group Stellarides.
Subsequent attempts to resolve the crinoid history were all based on the
arrangement of thecal plates relative to the position of the arms. Traditionally,
the thecal plates were decribed as either monocyclic or dicyclic with the first
row containing the arms as the "orals", the row just below the orals as the
"radials", the next row as the "basals", and for the dicyclic groups, the last row
as the "infrabasals". This long established precedence of thecal plate
organization has forced the assumption that each row of plates bearing the
same name were in fact homologous. However, a reinterpretation of thecal
plate homology by Michael J. Simms (1993) provides new insight into the
1
relationships among crinoids. Thecal plate homology suggested by Simms is

based on the position of the plates relative to the stem rather than the arms,
this is supported by ontogeny and the position of other plates in the theca. In
the tropical Indo-West Pacific, the richest region, single reefs may support as
many as 50 species, almost as many as recorded for any individual fossil
assemblage. The geographical location of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
supports the marine environment an enriched habitat for the sustainable
development and habitat for the crinoids. The most areas of the continental
shelf region of these islands have a great deal of fringing type reefs with a
diversified communities of scleractinian coral species as well as other
associated faunal neighborhood through direct or indirect relationships. In
2007, Sastry reported taxonomic reference of 76 species of crinoids as
annotated list of Indian Echinoderms. Present paper dealt with 28 species
under 19 genera and 7 families of crinoids reported from Andaman & Nicobar
Islands.
BIOLOGY OF CRINOIDS
Anatomy
Crinoids are pentamerous, stalked echinoderms
with a cuplike body bearing five usually branched
and commonly featherlike arms. In most extant
crinoids, primarily the shallow-water ones, there
are two body regions, the calyx and the rays . The
calyx is the cup-shaped central portion that lies
below the oral surface, which is oriented away
from the substrate; most of the organs are found
in the calyx. Both the anus and the mouth open on
General morphology of a stalked crinoid (Bather, 1900)
the oral surface, but the anus is easily
distinguished by being located at top an ossified cone set peripherally on the
oral surface. The rays are long arm-like extensions from the calyx that are used
for feeding. Five radial plates are aligned with the radial water vascular canals
and give rise to five arms on the oral side of the body. Each arm is an articulated
series of ossicles extending outward from the body. Arms contain extensions of
coelomic, nervous, water vascular, and reproductive systems and bear an
2
ambulacral groove bordered by

fingerlike tube feet, or podia
(terminal extensions of the water
vascular system), used in suspension
feeding and respiration. Arms may
be nonbranching or branch in many
different ways. Each ray has a lateral
row of short branches on either side;
Arm and ambulacrum morphology of a living
crinoid (Messing, 1987) these pinnules increase the surface
area and trap food. Some deep-sea
crinoids have a third body portion, the stalk . It serves to anchor the crinoid to
the substrate. The crinoid stalk typically consists of numerous discoidal skeletal
pieces called columnals, held together by ligaments and penetrated by a
central canal containing coelomic and neural tissue. Another conspicuous
feature of many crinoids are long, thin protrusions called cirri . In unstalked
crinoids, the cirri are located on the end of the calyx opposite the mouth, and
are used by the animal to grasp the substratum. Cirri of stalked crinoids extend
from the stalk; they also seem to function in adhesion. The calcitic ossicles of
crinoids, as is typical of echinoderms, form an internal skeleton that provides
support and protection. All crinoids are filter feeders. They produce no
feeding/respiratory current but, rather, rely on extrinsic, ambient water
movement. The tube feet to move
food particles down the ambulacral
groove of a ray toward the mouth.
Modified ossicles called lappets that
border the ambulacral groove
function to close off the groove and
prevent damage to the tube feet.
After a food particle is captured by a
crinoid, the shortest tube foot wraps
it in mucous secretions; ciliary tracts
Source: Animal Diversity Web
on the groove floor then transport it
toward the mouth. Diets include a variety of protists (e.g., diatoms and other
3
unicellular algae, foraminiferans, actinopods), invertebrate larvae, small

crustaceans, and detrital particles.
The rays of crinoids are also important. By moving their rays up and
down through contraction and relaxation of muscles, crinoids are able to swim
slowly through the water. A crinoids internal anatomy is dominated by organs
for digestion and reproduction. The entire digestive system lies within the calyx
and is characterized by little more than a mouth and intestine with diverticula.
The coelom extends into the rays, where the gonads are located. Nerves occur
throughout the animal, but the mass found in the calyx seems to be the center
for regeneration of lost body parts. Excretion may be accomplished through
small tubes called saccules located near the ambulacral grooves, but the
mechanism for this is poorly understood. Crinoids are gonochoric and brood
their young until the embryo develops into a doliolarian larva or a fully formed
juvenile crinoid. Although crinoids are sometimes amazingly abundant, they
appear to have little commercial impact and hardly affect humans in any way. In
the region of the ambulacral grooves, the epidermis is composed of ciliated
columnar epithelium, but elsewhere the epidermis is for the most part a thin,
nonciliated syncytium that is poorly demarcated from the underlying dermis
and may be lacking altogether. Most of the dermis is occupied by the skeletal
ossicles. The stalk, cirri and arms and pinnules are a solid construction, being
composed of almost entirely of a series of thick disc shaped ossicles; this
accounts for the jointed appearance of these appendages. The ossicles are
bound together by distinct connective tissue bands called ligaments. The
ligaments must posses some contractile powers, since the stalk and cirri are
capable of bending movements.
Locomotion
The sessile sea lilies are limited to bending movements of the stalk and flexion
and extension of the arms. The stalkless comatulids are free-moving and
capable of both swimming and crawling. The oral surface is always directed
upward and these animals right themselves if turned over. The cirri are strongly
thigmotactic and appear to control the righting reflex. Swimming is performed
by raising and lowering one set of arms alternately with certain others. In 10
armed species, every other arm sweeps downward while the alternate set
4
moves upward. In species with more than 10 arms, the arms still move in sets of
5, but sequentially. Crawling movements are accomplished by the lifting of the
body from the substratum and moving about on the tips of the arms. The arms
are often used to grasp and pull the animal over irregular and vertical surfaces.
Reproduction and Embryogeny
Crinoids posses considerable powers of regeneration. Part or all of an arm can
be cast off if sized or if subjected to unfavourable environmental conditions.
The lost arm is then regenerated. An animal can replace the loss of one fifth of
the disc and the corresponding arm and can sustain the simultaneous loss of
four of the five pairs of arms without death. The aboral nerve centre is essential
for the process of regeneration, and, provided the tissue remains intact., all of
the visceral mass can be regenerated. The coleomcytes play an active role in
regeneration. They migrate to the site of wound in large number, carrying food
materials and phagocitizing tissue debris. Crinoids all are dioecious, there are
no distinct gonads. The gametes develop from germinal epithelium within an
extension of the coelom located within the pinnules or within the arms. Not all
the pinnules are involved in the formation of sex cells, but only those along the
proximal half of the arm length. When the eggs or sperm are mature, spawning
takes place by rupture of pinnule walls. In some crinoids, the eggs are
cemented onto the outer surface of the pinnule by means of the secretion of
epidermal gland cells. Hatching takes place at the larval stage. In other crinoids,
the eggs are shed into sea water. The brood chambers are saclike invaginations
of the arm or the pinnule walls adjacent to the genital canals, and the eggs
probably enter the brood chamber by rupture.
Development through early gastrula stage is essential. During the
formation of coelomic sacs, the embryo elongates and development proceeds
towards a free swimming larval stage. The crinoids larva are somewhat barrel
shaped with an anterior apical tuft and a number of transverse bands. In
crinoids, the vitellaria is attained directly without the formation of the
intervening larva. In some cases free swimming is must for the progression of
the process. After this, the vitellaris settles to the bottom and attaches,
employing a glandular midventral depression located near the apical tuft. Then
there ensues an extended metamorphosis resulting in the formation of minute
5
stalked sessile crinoids (Barnes, 1982).

Water Vascular System
There is no madreporite in crinoids. Instead, the oral surface is dotted within
numerous minute ciliated funnels that run into the main body cavity. The ring
canal has several small stone canals, located between the arms of the animal,
but these open into the body cavity, and thus are only indirectly connected to
the outside. The five radial canals run into the arms and branch several times
to supply all of the individual branches and pinnules lining the arms. From the
radial canals extends lateral canals supplying the podia. But there are no
ampullae, and one lateral canal supplies the cluster of three podia except in the
buccal region, where they are found singly. Hydraulic pressure for extension of
the podia is generated by contraction of the radial water canal which is
provided with cross-muscle fibers. Peculiar to crinoids are 500 to 1500 minutes
ciliated canal, which perforated the wall of the tegument and and open into the
underlying coelomic spaces. These opening perhaps compensate for the
absence of madreporite, permitting maintenance of proper fluid pressure
within the body and indirectly within the water vascular system (Barnes, 1982).
Nervous System
The crinoids nervous system is composed of three interconnected nervous
divisions. The first system is an oral/ superficial/ ectoneural system which
comprises a neural band beneath the ambulacral grooves of the arms and cirri,
immediately beneath the epidermis, and innervates the podia. The five main
bands converge to the mouth and form a nerve sheath along the wall of the
digestive tract. The second is the deeper oral or hyponeural system which
comprises a pentagon in the connective tissue of the tegument, lateral to the
water-vascular ring canal. It gives out nerves to the tegument podia, the anal
cone, the internal organs and ten radial nerves to the arms. These ten nerves
fork to give two nerves per arm. These innervate the water-vessels, pinnules
and podia. Whereas the third one is the chief motor system i.e. aboral or
entoneural system. It forms a cup-shaped mass in the apex of the calyx cavity
and gives out nerves to the cirri (in comatulids) or to the column and hence also
to the cirri at the nodes (in sea lilies). It gives out 5 brachial nerves to the arms.
These contain ganglia that innervate the flexor muscles. The aboral nerve mass
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also gives out 5 lateral trunks, which fork into ten and are united by a
pentagonal commissure (concentric with the main nerve mass) in the radial
plates of the calyx.
Phylogenetic Evolution
Crinoids were subdivided into four subclasses: the Paleozoic Camerata,
Inadunata, and Flexibilia, and the post-Paleozoic Articulata. However, a fifth
subclass, the Echmatocrinea, was added in Moore & Teichert (1978). Simms &
Sevastopulo (1993) recognized that three major groups of crinoids were
already distinct by the Lower to Middle Ordovician: the Camerata, Disparida,
and Cladida. They recognized the Camerata as traditionally understood.
Phylogenetic relationships in Simms and Sevastopulo (1993) were based on a
limited number of characters with synapomorphies listed on a cladogram. No
quantitative analyses were performed, and an emphasis was placed on
Articulata characters. Simms (1994) presented an alternative phylogeny based
on a greatly revised scheme of calyx plate homologies. Rather than the radial
plates being homologous among all crinoids and the landmark for determining
all calyx plate homologies, Simms (1994) proposed that the lowest plates in the
aboral cup (the infrabasal plates of three-circlet forms but the basal plates of
two-circlet forms) were homologous and the homology landmarks. Ausich
(1996a, 1997, 1998a, b) presented a phylogeny based on another alternative
calyx plate homology scheme (Ausich 1996b), a differing outgroup, and
parsimony-based character analyses. In this scheme, the most primitive crinoid
aboral cup construction had four circlets of plates, inherited directly from
rhombiferan echinoderm ancestors (Ausich 1999). Homologies of Ausich
(1996b) only require revisions for four-circlet crinoids and disparids. The
phylogeny of crinoids presented above is based on the homology scheme and
PAUP parsimony analyses of Ausich (1996a, 1998a). Primitive crinoids have
four circlets. Ausich followed Simms & Sevastopulo (1993) by eliminating the
Inadunata and recognizing the Disparida and Cladida as separate, early crinoid
lineages. The camerates are recognized by Ausich (1998a) as are the Flexibilia
and Articulata. Furthermore, the camerates, flexibles, and articulates all
evolved from different cladid lineages. The four-circlet crinoids, disparids,
cladids, and camerates all arose during the Early Ordovician; the flexibles arose
7
during the Middle Ordovician, and the articulates evolved during the earliest
Mesozoic. Camerates, disparids, flexibles, and cladids were extinct by the end
of the Paleozoic Era, about 225 million years ago. The Articulata are the only
post-Paleozoic crinoids. Either they evolved during the Permo-Triassic mass
extinction or immediately thereafter. Crinoids diverged from rhombiferan
echinoderms through the loss of pore rhombs, gonopore, and biserial
brachioles; development of true arms with extension of the ambulacra;
movement of the anus to the tegmen; addition of anal plates; and better
pentameral symmetry. The resulting primitive crinoids were four-circlet forms
constituting a low diversity, basal group (Ausich, 1998a). From this four-circlet
construction, disparids arose through loss of the basal circlet. The cladid
lineage, arose by loss of the lintel circlet and gave rise to three additional very
successful lineages: camerates with fixed brachials and fixed interradials
incorporated into the calyx, symmetrical posterior plating, and rigid plate
sutures; flexibles with the mouth exposed on the tegmen and loose plate
sutures; and the articulates with loss of the anal plate and an entoneural
system enclosed within the calyx plates. The monophyletic nature of the
subclass Articulata has been argued by Simms & Sevastopulo (1993). Five
distinct groups of articulates survive in modern seas. The bathyal isocrinids
have whorls of hooklike cirri along the stalk. In the bathyal cyrtocrinids, a short
stalk consists of up to two columnals, or an expanded, thickened calyx cements
directly to the substrate. The comatulids, which occur from intertidal to abyssal
depths, retain a stalk as post larvae.
CLASSIFICATION OF CRINOIDEA
Based on the natural relationship/ affinities the scientific grouping/ association
of the great many diverse animals of nature in order to make an inductive
generalization about them with a great ease is called “Zoological
Classification”. This was introduced by C. Linnaeus in his 10th edition of
“Systema Naturae” in 1857 and then has subsequently modified by the
zoological commission to make it more appropriate.
Kingdom: Animalia Linnaeus, 1758
Phylum: Echinodermata Klein, 1734
8
Subphylum: Crinozoa
Class: Crinoidea Miller, 1821
Order: Comatulida A.H. Clark, 1908
Family: Comasteridae Clark, 1908
Genus: Comanthina
Genus: Comanthus
Genus: Capillaster
Genus: Comantula
Genus: Comaster
Genus: Phanogenia
Genus: Oxycomanthus
Family: Colobometridae A.H Clark, 1909
Genus: Cenometra
Genus: Colobometra
Genus: Oligometra
Genus: Petasometra
Family: Pontimetridae A.H Clark, 1909
Genus: Pontimetra
Family: Himerometridae
Genus: Amphimetra
Genus: Heterometra
Genus: Himerometra
Family: Mariametridae A. H. Clark, 1909
Genus: Lamprometra
Genus: Stephanometra
Family: Zygometridae A.H. Clark, 1908
Genus: Zygometra
Family: Tropiometridae A.H. Clark, 1908
Genus: Tropiometra
KEY CHARACTERS
Proximal pinnules very flexible and with some of the terminal segments
modified to form a comb; mouth near the edge of the disc and anal tube
9
approximately central….......……………………...………………..Family: Comasteridae
The two ossicles of the IBr series and the first two after most, if not all the
axillaries united by syzygy, Division series often alternating with
arms……..................................................................................Genus: Comaster
No dorsal process on the basal segments of the proximal pinnules; if cirri are
present at all then their distal segments are smooth dorsally
……...........................................................................………….Comaster schlegeli
Arms well over 100 in number (when fully grown).....................................
………..........................................................................Comaster multibrachiata
Growing to large size, the arms often exceeding 80 in number; subradial clefts
present around the edge of the centrodorsal……………………………..Comaster
multifidus
Cirri absent or very reduced so as to form isolated groups around the edge of
the centrodorsal.……………………………………………..........………….. Comaster audax
Except from arms arising direct from a I Br axillary, P1 arising from the first
brachial and a syzygy between brachials 2+3..........……………Genus: Capillaster
Arms fewer, rarely over 40, usually 15-25; longest cirri with upto 28 segments,
usually 20-24…………………….…………………………........... Capillaster multiradiatus
The most external IIIbr series of each ray usually two, the internal ones four;
arms upto 200……………………………………………........……………Genus: Comanthina
Whole body black in color, central disc and proximal portions of arms with black
spots; some distal parts of arms also with black spots but fewer; tips of pinnules
yellow…………………………………………...……………..…................Comanthina nobilis
III Br series, when present, either all four or else four and two irregularly; upto
120 arms but in most species less than 60…………….....………..Genus: Comanthus
Cirri very reduced in size, often discontinuously arranged around the edge of
the centrodorsal, their distal segments only slightly shorter than the proximal
ones…………………………………………………….……..................Comanthus parvicirrus
10-38 arms are present; anterior arms may be markedly longer; cirri XIII—XL
10
with 12-18 segments………………………………………………..…Comanthus wahlbergi

IVBr series four, the VBr series either two or four. Arms numbering upto 160, a
few VIBr series sometimes present……………………………...Comanthus alternans
A prominent keel at the bases of the proximal pinnules; arm bases
approximating each other………………………...............…………….Genus: Comatula
Cirri more numerous, usually X-XX, distributed at all around the edge of the
centrodorsal………………………………………………………............. Comatula pectinata
Arms with 21-50 cirri of 12-15 segments, to 15 mm long; up to 170

arms………………………………………………………………..................Genus: Phanogenia
Centrodorsal small, star shaped…………………………..Phanogenia multibrachiata
More than 60 arms; no dorsal processes on the distal cirrus

segments……………………………………………………...........…Oxycomanthus bennetti
Middle and distal cirrus segments with a pair of dorsal spines or tubercles, one
each side of the mid-line, rarely a transverse rigid….....Family: Colobometridae
Outer pinnules (2) very stout, stiff and erect or even recurved over the disc, its
segments with conscipicously flared and spinose distal ends, Arms: more than
10……………………………………………………...……………..................Genus: Cenometra
Basal segments of none of the proximal pinnules carinates, A simple keel on the
bases of the proximal pinnules or else the edge
rounded……………..................……............................................................ Cenom
etra bella
Basal segments of the proximal pinnules with knob-like rounded process
forming a crest along the edge facing the tip of the arm.....................
.....................................................................................Cenometra emendatrix
Size upto 170mm, arm length; cirri with 35-65 segments, usually at least
45……………………………………………………………................ Colobometra perspinosa
First and second pinnules are similar; when more than 10 arms are present the
IIBr series are four…………………………………………………......….Genus: Petasometra
15-31 arms are present; all the division series of the arms composed of two
11
brachials joined by synarthry………………….............…………...Petasometra clarae
Outer pinnules (2) markedly prismatic, often with the angles conscipicously
produced at the distal ends of the segments…….………...Oligometra serrapinna
All the pinnules prismatic; the distal pinnules, if not all of them, flexible and not
conscipicouslystiffened………………..………………......…...Family: Himerometridae
The first three external brachial pinnules (P1, P2, P3), progressively diminishing in
size, if any pinnules are present on the division series they are largest of
all………………………………………………….................……………...Genus: Himerometra
Proximal pinnule upto 25, usually 20, segments, tapering fairly abruptly near
the tip, not flagellate, Enlarged proximal pinnules with smooth segments
although their distal ends may be flared; proximal brachials with smooth but
hardly at all flared distal edges………………………….....Himerometra robustipinna
Enlarged proximal pinnules with 28-42 segments, the tips of the pinnules
flagellate…………………………………...........……………..….Himerometra magnipinna
Rarely more than 10 arms but should this number be exceeded than the IIBr
series are two; the proximal pinnules little different from the following
ones……………………………………….................………………………Genus: Amphimetra
Cirri with 30-35 segments and outer pinnules with 18-
21…….............................................................................….Amphimetra molleri
Usually more than 10 arms with the IIBr series mostly four but if only 10 arms
are present then the proximal pinnules are distinctly modified with a strong
crest or the segments have flared or spinose distal end…...Genus: Heterometra
Distal cirrus segments with distinct dorsal spines or tubercles, Proximal
pinnules appearing serrated in profile, due to projections from the distal ends
of the segments………………………………………………...………Heterometra crenulata
Arms often exceeding 20 in number than the IIIBr series usually with four
ossicles.……............………………………………………………...….Heterometra philiberti
Arms fewer <40, rarely >45 cirrus segments, 53-120 arms; division series all
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two; cirri with 41-80 segments; all the pinnule present.......................................

................................................Family: Pontimetridae, Pontiometra andersoni
Always more than 10 arms………………………….……..…......Family: Mariametridae
Second interradial arm is the largest proximal pinnule……Genus: Lamprometra

Second inter radial arm either very stout or distinctly carinate
basally………………………………………………….….….............…Lamprometra palmata
Proximal pinnules enlarged, stiff and spike like…………...Genus: Stephanometra

P3 and the following pinnules smaller and more flexible than P2 which is the
only spike- like pinnules……………………………………………..Stephanometra indica
The two ossicles of the IBr series joined by syzygy, appearing externally as a
straight continous or sometimes interrupted line………….Family: Zygometridae
No syzygy in the IBr series, 35-100 arms, rarely less; the peripheral cirri with
rarely less than 40 segments……………………………………………. Genus: Zygometra
The radials, division series and the first two brachials with the edges everted
and scalloped or tubercular……………………………………....Zygometra androdema
10 arms only, side and covering plates along the pinnules microscopic, if
present; no dorsal or ventral process on the cirrus
segments..................................................................... Family: Tropiometridae
Aboral arm carination continued to arm tip…..……………...…Genus: Tropiometra
Arms carinate dorsally, at least in the proximal half.……....Tropiometra carinata
Arms evenly convex dorsally………………………………….……........Tropiometra afra
STUDY AREAS
Andaman & Nicobar Islands composed of 572 islands which are demarked by
several groups such as North Andaman, Middle Andaman, Ritchie's
Archipelago, South Andaman, Nancowry and Great Nicobar group of islands.
These entire group of island deals with a great static environmental attributes
surrounded by Bay of Bengal in the West, Andaman Sea in the East, Coco
13
Channel in the North, Great Channel in the South. The Andaman groups of
islands are separated from entire Nicobar groups by 10° Channel. The
samplings of the crinoids were made for the period of last two years i.e. 2009 to
2011 at several sites (Map 1 and Table 1) of these groups of islands as a part of
extensive data recording survey of underwater biological creatures.
Map 1- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
14
Table 1: Co-ordinates of Studied Areas
No. Area surveyed GPS Coordinates
NORTH ANDAMAN
1 Landfall Island Lat.13°39.481’N Long.93°01.496’E
°
2 Nariyal Tikri Lat.13 26.150’N Long.93°05.416’E
3 Kalipur Beach Lat.13°13.269’N Long.93°02.420’E
4 Twins Island Lat.13°25.687’N Long. 93°05.971’E
5 Opposite Twins Island Lat.13°24.865’N Long. 93°04.105’E
6 Ross Island Lat. 13º18.167’N Long. 93º04.261’E
7 Smith Island Lat. 13º18.406’N Long. 93º04.207’E
8 Ariel Bay Lat. 13º16.093’N Long. 93º02.433’E
9 Lamia Bay Lat. 13º24.879’N Long. 93º05.516’E
°
10 Durgapur Lat.13 16.260’N Long.93°02.439’E
MIDDLE ANDAMAN
11 North Reef Island Lat. 12º 56. 084’N Long. 92º57.345’E
12 Interview Island Lat. 12º 59. 125’N Long. 92º42.981’E
13 Sound Island Lat. 12º 56. 084’N Long. 92º57.345’E
14 Rail Island Lat. 12º 56. 860’N Long. 92º54.620’E
15 Karlo Island Lat. 12º 56. 084’N Long. 92º53.378’E
º
16 Guitar Island Lat. 12 20.323N Long. 92 º 54.529’E
º
17 Long Island Lat. 12 24.412’N Long. 92 º 56.837’E
18 North Passage Island Lat. 12 º 18.121’N Long. 92 º 55.718’E
RITCHIE’S ARCHIPELAGO
19 Inglis Island Lat. 12º08. 639’N Long. 93º06.786’E
20 Henry Lawrence Island Lat. 12º05. 000’N Long. 93º06.312’E
21 John Lawrence Island Lat. 12º04. 075’N Long. 93º00.398’E
22 Outram Island Lat. 12º00. 574’N Long. 92º56.808’E
23 Sir William Peel Island Lat. 12º03. 315’N Long. 92º59.929’E
24 Nicolson Island Lat. 12 º06.739’N Long. 92º57.235’E
25 South Button Island Lat. 12º13.467’N Long. 92º01.334’E
26 North Button Island Lat. 12º18.974’N Long. 92º03.826’E
27 Middle Button Island Lat. 12º16.473’N Long. 93º01.334’E
28 Wilson Island Lat. 12º13.061’N Long. 93º15.207’E
0
29 Havelock Island Lat.12 03.313’N Long. 92057.730’E
30 Neil Island Lat. 11º50.826’N Long. 93º00.554’E
31 Sir Huge Ross ISland Lat. 11º47.063’N Long. 93º04.616’E
15
SOUTH ANDAMAN
32 Off Burmanella Lat. 11º33.468’N Long. 92º43.873’E
33 Off Rangachang Lat. 11º34.350’N Long. 92º44.133’E
34 Chidyatapu Lat. 11º29.460’N Long. 92º42.530’E
35 Pongibalu Lat. 11º30.956’N Long. 92º39.201’ E
36 Off Kurmadera Lat. 11º39.933’N Long. 92º 35.903’E
°
37 North Bay Lat. 11 42.074’N Long. 92° 45.143’E
38 Off Collinpur Lat. 11º41.598’N Long. 92º 37.035’E
39 North Wandoor Lat. 11º37.270’N Long. 92º 37.035’E
40 Loha Barrack Croc. Sanctuary Lat. 11°38.035'N Long. 92°38.722'E
41 Mahua Dera Lat.11°38.765'N Long. 92°35.837'E
42 Rutland Island Lat. 11º26.506’N Long. 92º 36.861’E
MAHATMA GANDHI MARINE NATIONAL PARK
43 Tarmguli Island Lat.11°34.138’N Long. 92°33.836’E
44 Belley Island Lat.11°34.095’N Long. 92°33.841’E
45 Chester Island Lat.11°35.194’N Long. 92°34.708’E
46 Grub Island Lat.11°35.406’N Long. 92°35.713’E
47 Red Skin Island Lat.11°34.318’N Long. 92°35.705’E
48 Jolly Bouy Island Lat.11°30.368’N Long. 92°36.933’E
49 Twins Island Lat.11°23.330’N Long. 92°33.003’E
LITTLE ANDAMAN
50 Little Andaman Lat. 10º32.975’N Long. 92º32.651’E
51 Sister Island Lat. 10º55.830’N Long. 92º07.023’E
CAR NICOBAR
52 Car Nicobar Island Lat. 09º10.490’N Long. 92º49.714’E
NANCOWRY ISLANDS
53 Camorta Island Lat. 12º51. 322’N Long. 92º56.050’E
54 Champin Island Lat. 08º01. 670’N Long. 93º33.123’E
55 Trinket Island Lat. 08º02. 806’N Long. 93º34.556’E
56 Munak Island Lat. 07º59. 813’N Long. 93º30.534’E
57 Katchal Island Lat. 07º58.952’N Long. 93º24.351’E
58 Teressa Island Lat. 08º13.686’N Long. 93º10.913’E
KONDUL ISLAND
59 Kundol Jetty Lat. 07º10. 023’N Long. 93º42.949’E
GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND
60 Campbell bay Lat. 06º59. 749’N Long. 93º56.718’E
16
COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION

Crinoids are the marine living in the reef tidal regions especially in costal reef
ecosystem. Due to this mode of life style, SCUBA diving and snorkeling are the
suitable methods for in situ photographic documentation as well as for the
sampling of the specimens. The species recording was made with the help of
underwater digital camera (Sony Cyber shot, Model- DSC-T900, marine pack,
12.1 megapixel) while collecting the specimens, a metallic or glass bar was for
the detachment of cirri of crinoids from their substratum due to the fragile
nature of their arms. Preservation was made through narcotization by applying
95% ethanol in a ratio of 1:3 with sea water for 30 to 60 seconds. During this
process care was taken to retain the proper anatomical structure. On
completion of narcotization, the samples were kept in 70% ethanol (Hendler
2004; Messing 2007) for further studies. Later the specimens were deposited in
the National Zoological Collection at Zoological Survey of India, Andaman &
Nicobar Regional Centre, Port Blair.
17
MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES
Order: COMATULIDA A. H. Clark, 1908
Family: COMASTERIDAE Clark, 1908
Comanthus parvicirrus (Muller, 1841)

Fig. 1a, b & c
Description
Cirri are very short in size. It is fairly well developed and forming a complete
ring around the centro-dorsal, though some sockets appear to be
becoming obsolete. The cirri are not much compressed laterally, though
the larger ones are incurled in their outer part. It is discontinuously
arranged around the edge of the centrodorsal and their distal segments only
slightly shorter than the proximal ones. Arms are 10-63 in number. Cirri are
formed with 11-16 segments. Distal segments bear a sharp aboral transverse
bar or tubercle. Centrodorsal are small in size discoidal in shape. Radials are
easily visible.
Colour
Brownish black, arms were dull green at the base gradually lightening to
bright green distally.
Habitat Benthic, inshore in habitat and this species is suspension feeder.
Distribution
India: Andaman & Nicobar Islands (North Andaman, Middle Andaman,
Ritchie's Archipelago, South Andaman,NicobarIslands), Gulf of Mannar;
Elsewhere: Aldabra, Madagascar, Fiji, Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, Marion
Reef, Mascarene Basin, Mozambique, New Caledonia, Palau, Philippines,
Seychelles, South China Sea, South Japan, Thailand, Tongan.
18
Fig. 1a Comanthus parvicirrus (Muller, 1841)
Fig. 1b Comanthus parvicirrus (Muller, 1841)
Fig. 1c Comanthus parvicirrus (Muller, 1841)
19
Comanthus wahlbergi (Muller, 1843)

Fig. 2a & b
Description
Feathery shape animal. Arms are ragged with few side branches varying from
10 to 38 in number and curled above the body. Anterior arms may be markedly
longer; cirri 13-40 with 12-18 segments; centrodorsal discoidal; radials hidden
or with interradial corners visible; IIBr and following brachitaxes usually 4(3+
4), sometimes of 2 ossicles.)
Colour
The white and reddish and white, pale brown and darker brown concentrically
banded color patterns are similar to the pale and dark brown concentric
banding previously recorded for this species elsewhere.
Habitat
Found under rocks or in cervices and often from dense clusters on shallow
reefs up to the depth of 20 m.
Distribution
India: Andaman Islands (North Andaman, Middle Andaman and Ritchie's
Archipelago); Elsewhere: False Bay, South Africa, to Samoa, including Indo-
Malaya, northern Australia (Garden Island near Perth to Mooloolaba,
Queensland), Lord Howe Island, New Zealand, Admiralty Islands, New
Caledonia, Guam and southern Japan.
Fig. 2a Comanthus wahlbergi (Muller, 1843 Fig. 2b Comanthus wahlbergi (Muller, 1843)
20
Comanthus alternans (P.H. Carpenter, 1881)

Fig. 3
Description
This is a crinoid with busy appearance due to presence of 10 - 25 arms. The
anterior arms are not markedly longer than posterior arms. Cirri absent in
specimens with >40 arms (except for immature cirrus buds). Cirri sometimes
present in specimens with <40 arms, to XI, 10-13 segments.
Colour
Different colour patterns recorded elsewhere include black or deep mahogany
with green or white pinnule tips, and sometimes with a white aboral arm
stripe; dark brown with a dusting of tiny white or yellow spots; rays greenish
yellow with groups of pinnules alternating between black with white tips and
white with a middle black band; and pale gray or white with few to many
pinnules black or brown with white tips.
Habitat
Comanthus alternans typically occurs under ledges, coral rubble or among
branching corals with at least some of its arms extended.
Distribution
India: Andaman Island (Ritchie's Archipelago). Elsewhere: Northern Australia,
Indo-Malaya, southern Japan, Palau, Guam, Chuuk and Kwajalein Atolls and
New Caledonia.
Fig. 3 Comanthus alternans(Carpenter, 1881)
21
4 Comanthus nobilis (P.H. Carpenter, 1881)

Fig. 4a & b
Description
Central disc and proximal portion of arms have black spots. Tips of pinnules are
yellow in colour. Cirri are 0-5 in number. Proximal aboral surface is heavily
plated and smooth. Arms are 50-140 in number. Combs of pinnules are arising
from brachials often with one tooth per segment.
Colour
Body is uniformly black in colour, sometimes green, yellow.
Habitat
Inhabits coral reef areas that are rich in corals, gorgonians and coral rubble. It is
found over 8m depth ranging upto 92m.
Distribution
India: Andaman Island (North, Middle, South Andaman, Ritchie's Archipelago
and Nancowry Islands); Elsewhere: Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia,
Malaysia, New Caledonia, Philippines and Sri Lanka.
Fig. 4a Comanthina nobilis (P.H.Carpanter, 1884)
Fig. 4b Comanthina nobilis (P.H.Carpanter, 1884)
22
Comaster schlegeli (P.H. Carpenter, 1881)

Fig. 5a & b
Description
This species bears 9-33 cirri which consist of 11-17 segments. Proximal aboral
area is relatively smooth. Radial plates are narrowly visible. Arms are 10-90 in
number. Brachial pinnules (except possibly P1) with a pair of more or less
equally sized teeth.
Colour
The colour of this species varies from grey, green, brown.
Habitat
It is usually found with the reefs over 5 m depth and upto 95 m.
Distribution
India: Andaman & Nicobar Islands (North, Middle, South Andaman, Ritchie's
Archipelago, Car Nicobar, Nancowry Islands and Great Nicobar Island), Gulf of
Mannar; Elsewhere: Fiji, Indonesia, Japan and Kerama .
Fig. 5b Comaster schlegeli (P.H.Carpanter, 1881)
Fig. 5c Comaster schlegeli (P.H.Carpanter, 1881)
23
Comaster multibrachiata (P.H. Carpenter, 1888)

Fig. 6a, b & c
Description
Cirri are 21-50 in number. Each cirrus is of 12-15 segments. Arms are more than
100 in number with a maxiumum of 170.
Colour
Body colour is blue with orange tips of the pinnules.
Habitat
It is found on reefs at variable depth.
Distribution
India: Andaman Islands (North, Middle, South Andaman and Ritchie's
Archipelago); Eslewhere: East Indies, China, South Japan and Philippines.
Fig. 6a Comaster multibrachiata (P.H.Carpanter, 1888)
Fig. 6b Comaster multibrachiata Fig. 6c Comaster multibrachiata

(P.H.Carpanter, 1888) (P.H.Carpanter, 1888)
24
7 Comaster multifidus (J. Muller, 1841)

Fig. 7a & b
Description
Comaster multifidus with cirri 9-27, of 14-20 segments; distal cirrals with
aboral pointed tubercle or transverse ridge; axils often giving rise to a
brachitaxis and a free arm that alternate on successive axils up to 135 arms;
subradial clefts present around the edge of the centrodorsal.
Colour
Body colour white or black with yellow colur tips of the pinnules.
Habitat
Benthic, inshore, continental shelf, suspension feeder. Depth range: 0-91m.
Distribution
India: Andaman Islands (North, Middle, South Andaman, Ritchie's Archipelago,
Car Nicobar and Nancowry Islands); Elsewhere: East Indies, Northern
Australia, Philippines, South Pacific Islands, Seychelles.
Fig. 7a Comaster multifidus (J. Muller, 1841) Fig. 7b Comaster multifidus (J. Muller, 1841)
25
Comaster audax Rowe, Birtles &Vail, 1986

Fig. 8
Description
Comaster with cirri 9-14. 15-19 segments are present on mature cirri. Radials
are well exposed. Brachitaxes and arm bases are tuberculate. Arms are 75-180.
Distal edges of brachials are markedly everted. Combs are on brachials with a
pair of more.
Colour
Colour of the underside of the arms of this species is almost always pink/
brown. Pinnule colours include white, black or brown, and yellow arranged in a
patchy, speckled pattern.
Habitat
Specimens are usually found in water deeper than 10 m, and are perched on
hard corals and sea whips.
Distribution
India: Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Ritchie's Archipelago and South Andaman);
Elsewhere: Lizard Island and Papua New Guinea.
Fig. 8 Comaster audax Rowe, Hoggett, Birtles & Vail, 1986
26
Capillaster multiradiatus (Linneaus, 1986)

Fig. 9a & b
Description
Brachitaxes composed of two ossicles each united by synarthrial articulations.
First pair of brachial ossicles on interior arms united by syzygy. Capillaster
multiradiatus has distinctive pinnules with a rounded keel on each of the basal
two segments and combs that, unlike that of any other comasterid, arise from
the side of the pinnule. Arms fewer; rarely over 40, usually 15-25; longest cirri
with upto 28 segments, usually 20-24. III Br series usually present only on the
external side of the IIBr series arising from them.
Colour
Colors include black, maroon, brown or greenish-brown;
Habitat
Capillaster multiradiatus typically occurs under ledges, coral rubble or among
branching corals with at least some of its arms extended.
Distribution
India: Gulf of Mannar, Andaman Islands (North, Middle, South and Little
Andaman, Ritchie's Archipelago, Nancowry Islands, Kondul Island and Great
Nicobar Island); Elsewhere: Ashmore Reef, Burma, Eastern Africa &
Madagascar, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mascarene Basin,
Okinawa, Palau, Philippines, Red Sea, South China Sea, Sri Lanka and Taiwan.
Fig. 9a Capillaster multiradiatus (Linneaus, 1758) Fig. 9b Capillaster multiradiatus (Linneaus, 1758)
27
Comatula pectinata (Linneaus, 1758)

Fig. 10a & b
Description
Cirri more numerous, usually 10-20, distributed all round the edge of the
centrodorsal, any gaps not being regularly confined to the radial areas. 10-15
cirrus segments are present. Longest segments little longer than broad.
Colour
Colors include black, brown or greenish-brown;
Habitat
This species occurs under the dead rocks, coral rubbles, or among branching
corals with at least some of its arms extended. Depth range: 0-93m.
Distribution
India: Nicobar Island (North, Middle, South and Little Andaman and Ritchie's
Archipelago). Elsewhere: Sri Lanka, Bay of Bengal, East Indies, North Australia,
Philippines, China and South Japan.
Fig. 10a Comatula pectinata (Linneaus, 1758) Fig. 10b Comatula pectinata (Linneaus, 1758)
28
Phanogenia multibrachiata (P. H. Carpenter, 1888)

Fig. 11
Description
The centrodorsal of this species is small, star-shaped and completely lacks cirri.
Phanogenia multibrachiata is largely cryptic during the day under rubble, coral
heads or overhangs. At night, its disk remains concealed, but it extends most of
its arms in a multiradial orientation with pinnules oriented in four directions, or
tetrads. Oral pinnules with confluent comb teeth.
Colour
Body colour is uniformly yellow with black strips.
Habitat
This species are usually found under the dead rocks, coral rubbles, or among
branching corals with at least some of its arms extended. Depth range: 0-80m.
Distribution
India: Andaman Islands(North, Middle, South and Little Andaman, Ritchie's
Archipelago, Car Nicobar, Nancowry Islands, Kondul Island and Great Nicobar
Island), Elsewhere: Fiji, Indonesia, Philippines.
Fig. 11 Phanogenia multibrachiata (Carpenter, 1888)
29
Oxycomanthus bennetti (Muller, 1841)

Fig. 12
Description
Arms are 31-120 in number. Anterior arms are not markedly longer than
posterior arms. Cirri consist of 23-35 segments (usually 25-29) and these
segments usually as broad as long and without aboral processes. Centrodorsal
is large and thick, covering radials. Oral pinnules with confluent comb teeth.
Colour
Uniformly yellow or green in colour.
Habitat
This species is commonly found below 5m depth. It mainly occurs on live coral
specimen.
Distribution
India: Andaman Islands(North, Middle, South Andaman, Ritchie's Archipelago,
Nancowry Islands, Kondul Island); Elsewhere: East Indies, North Australia,
Philippines, China, south Japan and South Pacific Islands.
Fig. 12 Oxycomanthus bennetti (Muller, 1841)
30
Family: HIMEROMETRIDAE A.H. Clark, 1907

Himerometra robustipinna (P.H.Carpanter, 1912)
Fig. 13a & B
Description
The body of Himerometra robustipinna is cup-shaped. The pinnules
(arms)extend out from a central disc. A sticky substance on the pinnules
enables Himerometra robustinpinna to catch food. This species have stout,
enlarged proximal pinnules that taper rapidly or gradually to the tip. Almost all
segments are broader than long with 20-42 in numbers. The distal end of the
segments is unmodified or swollen, but never spinous. Distal edges of proximal
brachial smooth or slightly produced. Arms 33 -52 upto 200 mm long.
Colour
Usually the colour is grey to white. Colouration of this species is distinctive as
many individuals have all maroon arms. However, others have yellow/ orange
or pale brown brachials with maroon pinnules which may have yellowish tips.
One individual was found with light grey brachials and pinnules, although its
pinnule tips were maroon.
Habitat
It lives in the western Pacific and the Indian Ocean. This crinoid is found in
coastal waters of a number of countries up to the depth of 85 m. Most of the
time it was recorded with the coral reefs.
Distribution
India: Andaman Islands(North, Middle, South and Little Andaman, Ritchie's
Archipelago and Car Nicobar Island); Elsewhere: Ashmore Reef, China, China
Sea, East Indies, Great Barrier Reef, Indonesian, Japan, Lady Musgrave Island,
North Australia, Northern Territory, Okinawa, Philippines, South China Sea,
South Japan, South Pacific and Sri Lanka.
31
Fig. 13a Himerometra robustipinna (P.H.Carpanter, 1912)
Fig. 13b Himerometra robustipinna (P.H.Carpanter, 1912)
32
Himerometra magnipinna (A. H. Clark, 1908)

Fig. 14a & b
Description
This is a species of Himerometra with stout and enlarged proximal pinnules
that taper rapidly or gradually to the tip. Presence of near about 20-42
segments almost all broader than long, with distal ends unmodified or swollen,
but never spinous. Distal edges of proximal brachial are smooth or slightly
produced. Presence of 33-62 (usually ~45) arms. The length of the arm is up to
200 mm. Diagnostic features of H. robustipinna and H. magnipinna overlap
broadly, prompting their synonymy under the senior name.
Colour
Colour of the species varies greatly. It can be seen grey to white in colour.
Habitat
It is usually found with the reefs at the depth up to 80m.
Distribution
India: Andaman Islands (North and South Andaman); Elsewhere: Ashmore
Reef, China, China Sea, East Indies, Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, Japan, Lady
Musgrave Island, North Australia, Northern Territory, Okinawa, Philippines,
South China Sea, South Japan, South Pacific and Sri Lanka.
Fig. 14a Himerometra magnipinna Fig. 14b Himerometra magnipinna (A.H. Clark, 1908)
(A.H. Clark, 1908)
33
Heterometra philiberti (Muller, 1849)

Fig. 15
Description
This is the species of Heterometra with some to all IIIBr4 (3+4). Brachitaxes
ossicles and proximal brachials somewhat swollen. Cirri of 26-45 (usually about
35) segments. Longest cirrals is nearly as long as broad. Arms 18-27 and 80-150
mm long; distal brachials short, discoidal. The proximal pinnules are distinctly
modified with a strong crest or the segments have flared or spinose distal ends.
Colour
It is usually brown in colour. Sometimes it can be seen in the form of brown-
black specimen.
Habitat
Found in the rocky areas of reef slopes.
Distribution
India: Andaman Islands (South Andaman & Ritchie's Archipelago); Elsewhere:
East Indies, Java, Malay Peninsula.
Fig. 15 Heterometra philiberti (Muller, 1849)
34
Heterometra crenulata (P.H.Carpenter, 1882)

Fig. 16
Description
Proximal pinnules are large and strongly triangular in cross section, strongly
serrate in profile. Outer portion of prismatic ridge on each segment raised into
conspicuous broad rounded triangular processes. Distal cirrus segments occur
with distinct dorsal spines or tubercles.
Colour
Body colour red with white ridges in arms.
Habitat
It is usually found with the slopes of the reefs.
Distribution
India: Andaman Island (Ritchie's Archipelago); Elsewhere: Cambodia, China,
Double Island Point, East Indies, Indonesia, Maldives, Monte Bello Islands,
North Australia, Philippines, Queensland, Singapore, South Japan, Vietnam
and West Australia.
Fig. 16 Heterometra crenulata (P.H.Carpenter, 1882)
35
Amphimetra molleri (A. H. Clark, 1908)

Fig. 17
Description
Usually 10 arms are present and rarely more than 10 arms are found. Cirri are
stout, curved and formed of 24-50 short sub equal segments. First aboral spine
appears proximal to 8th cirrus. Arms are 150mm in size. Outer pinnules are 18-
21 in number.
Colour
It is black in colour.
Habitat
Mainly found on shoreline to 50m depth range.
Distribution
India: Andaman & Nicobar Islands (South Andaman, Little Andaman and
Ritchie's Archipelago) and Gulf of Mannar; Elsewhere: China, East Indies,
Greater Sunda Islands, Gulf of Thailand, Maldives, Philippines, South Japan
and Sri Lanka.
Fig. 17 Amphimetra molleri (A.H.Clark, 1908)
36
Family: MARIAMETRIDAE A.H. Clark, 1909
Lamprometra palmata (Muller, 1841)

Fig. 18
Description
Second interradial arm is stout or distinctly carinate basally and has the largest
proximal pinnule. Arms more than 140 in number with a length of 15 cm. This
species is commonly distributed in tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean.
Colour
Arms greenish black in colour with white patches
Habitat
Benthic, inshore, continental shelf, suspension feeder. Depth range: 0-51m
Distribution
India: Gulf of Mannar, Andaman & Nicobar Islands (North and South Andaman,
Car Nicobar, Nancowry Islands and Kondul Island) and Karwar Coast;
Elsewhere: Aldabra, Eastern Africa, Madagascar, Red Sea, Tanzania, Pakistan,
Maldive area, Sri Lanka, Bay of Bengal, East Indies, North Australia, Philippines,
China, South Japan, South Pacific Islands and Hawaiian Island.
Fig. 18 Lamprometra palmata (Muller, 1841)
37
Stephanometra indica (Smith, 1876)

Fig. 19
Description
One or more of the enlarged proximal pinnules very stuff and spike-like; the
division series well separated with rounded ventrolateral extensions. This
pinnules tapering to usually flexible point, rarely erected in preserved
specimens.
Colour
Uniformly white greenish in colour with blue colour in the tip of the pinnules.
Habitat
Usually cryptic under rubble and within the reef framework during the day. At
dusk, they crawl to exposed perches and spread their arms in a biplanar
posture.
Distribution
India: Andaman Islands (Ritchie's Archipelago). Elsewhere: Red Sea, Tanzania
and Madagascar to Guam and the Tonga Islands, including Indo-Malaya,
tropical Australia as far south as the Capricorn Channel, Queensland, Palau and
Okinawa.
Fig. 19 Stephanometra indica (Smith, 1876)
38
Family: COLOBOMETRIDAE A.H. Clark, 1909
Cenometra bella (Hartlaub, 1890)

Fig. 20a & b
Description
Outer pinnules are very stout, stiff and erect or even recurved over the disc.
Arms are more than 10 in number. Basal segments of none of the proximal
pinnules carinates. A simple keel on the bases of the proximal pinnules forms
rounded edge.
Colour
Central ridge of the arm is white and pinnules are dark red in colour.
Habitat
Commonly found below 5m depths and it lives with the association of
encrusting and massive coral species up to the maximum depth of 40 m.
Distribution
India: Andaman Islands (North, Middle and South Andaman, Ritchie's
Archipelago and Nancowry Islands); Elsewhere: East Indies, Philippines, China,
South Japan and South Pacific Islands.
Fig. 20a Cenometra bella (Hartlaub, 1890) Fig. 20b Cenometra bella (Hartlaub, 1890)
39
Cenometra emendatrix (Bell, 1892)

Fig. 21
Description
The Basal segments of the proximal pinnules have knob-like rounded process
that forms a crest along the edge. Arms are 10 in number.
Colour
It is dark red in colour
Habitat
It occurs in littoral to 55m depths.
Distribution
India: Andaman Islands (South Andaman and Kondul Island); Elsewhere:
Aldabra, Madagascar, Mascarene Basin, Mauritius, Seychelles and West Indian
Ocean.
Fig.21 Cenometra emendatrix (Bell, 1892)
40
Colobometra perspinosa (P. H. Carpanter, 1881)

Fig. 22
Description
The numbering of cirrus segments is upto 35 but rarely more than 30, the distal
edges smooth, the middle segments usually developing a transverse dorsal
ridge or crescent which resolves itself into a pair of tubercles or small spines, or
else a single median spine on the distal segments .
Colour
Unifromly black in colour with yellow tip pinnules.
Habitat
Colobometra perspinosa mainly found on soft corals (Melithaea sp and
Sarcophyton sp.)
Distribution
India: Andaman Islands (Middle Andaman, South Andaman & Ritchie's
Archipelago); Elsewhere: East Indies, North Australia, Philippines and South
Pacific Islands.
Fig. 22 Colobometra perspinosa (P. H. Carpanter, 1881)
41
Petasometra clarae (Hartlaub, 1890)

Fig. 23
Description
Characterized with one or more enlarged proximal pinnules; series of division
of arms with rounded ventrolateral extensions separating them. All the division
series of the arms composed of two brachials joined by synarthry; each cirral
with a single well-developed spine; oral pinnules very much enlarged and stiff
compared to more distal pinnules.
Colour
Colouration in this species is generally quite distinctive. It is usually light to dark
brown, sometimes with white on a few pinnules. Its colour, and the fact that it
secretes large amount of mucus when handled, makes it quite easy to identify
in the field.
Habitat
This species is often found on a crown soft coral about 2 m to 3 m below the reef
crest. It prefers sites with good water flow. Large populations of these species
have not been seen although it is not uncommon for several individuals to be
seen in close proximity.
Distribution
India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands (North, Middle and South Andaman,
Ritchie's Archipelago and Great Nicobar Islands); Elsewhere: East Indies,
Philippines.
Fig. 23 Petasometra clarae (Hartlaub, 1890)
42
Oligometra serripinna (P.H.Carpanter, 1881)

Fig. 24
Description
Pinnules are variable in form with most segments as long as, or longer than,
broad, either simply prismatic with only the dorsal keel well developed or the
segments more or less flared at the distal ends on the angels of the longitudinal
ridges, with spinose process, so that the profile of the pinnule is more or less
serrated.
Colour
Uniformly white in colour with reddish patches throughout the body.
Habitat
It is usually found in a variety of depth ranges i.e. 0-91m.
Distribution
India: Andaman, Gulf of Mannar and Lakshadweep; Andhra Pradesh coast;
Elsewhere: Aldabra, Eastern Africa, Madagascar, Mascarene Basin, Mauritius,
Red Sea, Seychelles, West Indian Ocean, East Indies, North Australia,
Philippines, China, South Japan and South Pacific Islands.
Fig. 24 Oligometra serripinna (P.H.Carpanter, 1881)
43
Family: PONTIOMETRIDAE A.H. Clark, 1908
Pontiometra andersoni (P.H.Carpanter, 1889)

Fig. 25a, b & c
Description
Middle and distal cirrus segments are attached with a pair of dorsal spines or
tubercles that situated one each side of the mid-line. Arms are 53-120 in
number. Cirri are composed of 41-80 segments. This species has a strong 8cm
long feet.
Colour
It is uniformly red in colour.
Habitat
This species can be found at the maximum depth of 40m.
Distribution India: Andaman Island (North Andaman, South Andaman and
Kondul Island); Elsewhere: Bay of Bengal, East Indies, Philippines, China, South
Japan, South Pacific Island.
Fig. 25a Pontiometra andersoni (P.H.Carpanter, 1889) Fig. 25b Pontiometra andersoni (P.H.Carpanter, 1889)
Fig. 25c Pontiometra andersoni (P.H.Carpanter, 1889)
44
Family: ZYGOMETRIDAE A.H. Clark, 1908
Zygometra andromeda (A.H. Clark, 1912)

Fig. 26
Description
The two ossicles of IBr series joined by syzgy, appearing externally as a straight
continous or sometimes interrupted line. Cirri are fairly long with 25-30
segments. The radials division series and first two brachials with edges everted
and scalloped or tubercular.
Colour
It is usually brown in colour but green, black colour also found.
Habitat
Zygometra sp is the only crinoid genus occurring commonly on local reefs that
can swim, which may assist in locating suitable perches and reducing sediment
load. This species mainly inhabits in the soft substrata. Depth range: 10m-50m
Distribution
India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Ritchie's Archipelago and South
Andaman). Elsewhere: East Indies, North Australia, Philippines, China, South
Japan.
Fig. 26 Zygometra andromeda (A.H. Clark, 1912)
45
Family: TROPIOMETRIDAE A.H. Clark, 1908
27 Tropiometra carinata (Lamarck, 1816)

Fig. 27
Description
A species of Tropiometra with aboral arm carination continued to arm tip,
ranging from slight to exaggerated; cirri 13-38, of 20-30 segments, 15-27 mm
long; arms to 180 mm (usually not more than 135 mm) long.
Colour
This species is greenish in colour.
Habitat
Reefs, rocks, rocks and coral, sand and shell, dark sand, black specks and rocks.
Distribution
India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Ritchie's Archipelago). Elsewhere:
Aldabra, Cargados Carajas, Caribbean Sea, Dominician Republic, East Africa,
Lesser Antlles, Madagascar, Mascarene Basin, Mauritius, Mozambique, Red
Sea, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, West
Indian Ocean.
Fig. 27 Tropiometra carinata (Lamarck, 1816)
46
Tropiometra afra (Hartlaub, 1890)

Fig. 28a & b
Description
A species of Tropiometra with rays long, stout, not carinate. This species is
gently rounded aborally. Brachials are beyond arm base. Those are short and
oblong. Presence of 23-50 cirri of 21-35 segments. The length of the cirri is
25-40 mm long. The length of the arms are 190-220 mm long.
Colour
This species are found in black and brown colour.
Habitat
This species can be found at the maximum depth of 146 m.
Distribution
India: Andaman & Nicobar Islands (North Andaman, South Andaman and
Ritchie's Archipelago); Elsewhere: Western Pacific: Hong Kong, Australia,
Kermadec Island, New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone.
Fig. 28a Tropiometra afra (Hartlaub, 1890) Fig. 28b Tropiometra afra (Hartlaub, 1890)
47
CHECKLIST OF CRINOIDS IN INDIA
Class: CRINOIDEA
Order: COMATULIDA
Family: Comasteridae
1. Capillaster mariae (A.H.Clark, 1907)
2. Capillaster multiradiatus (Linneaus, 1758)
3. Comanthina nobilis (P.H.Carpanter, 1884)
4. Comanthina schlegeli (P.H.Carpanter, 1881)
5. Comanthus parviciirus (Muller, 1841)
6. Comanthus samoanus (A.H.Clark, 1909)
7. Comanthus wahlbergi (Muller, 1843)
8. Comanthus alternans (carpenter, 1881)
9. Comaster gracilis (Hartlub, 1890)
10. Comaster multibrachiata (P.H.Carpanter, 1888)
11. Comaster multifidus (J.Muller, 1841)
12. Comaster parvus (A.H.Clark, 1909)
13. Comaster schegeli (P.H. Carpanter, 1881)
14. Comaster audax (Rowe, Hoggett, Birtles & Vail, 1986)
15. Comatella maculata (P.H.Carpanter, 1888)
16. Comatella nigra (P.H.Carpanter, 1876)
17. Comatella stelligera (P.H.Carpanter, 1880)
18. Comatula brevicirra (Bell, 1834)
19. Comatula micraster (A.H.Clark, 1909)
20. Comatula pectinata (Linneaus, 1758)
21. Phanogenia multibrachiata (P.H. Carpanter, 1888)
22. Oxycomanthus bennetti (Muller, 1841)
Family: Himerometridae
23. Amphimetra molleri (A.H.Clark, 1908)
24. Craspedometra acuticirra (P.H.Carpanter, 1882)
25. Craspedometra anceps (P.H.Carpanter, 1888)
26. Heterometra bengalensis (Hartlaub, 1890)
48
27. Heterometra compta (A.H.Clark, 1909)

28. Heterometra philiberti (Muller, 1841)
29. Heterometra reynaudi (Muller, 1846)
30. Heterometra crenulata (P.H.Carpenter, 1882)*
31. Himerometra magnipinna (A.H.Clark, 1908)
32. Himerometra robustipinna (P.H.Carpanter, 1912)
Family: Mariametridae
33. Dichrometra ciliata (A.H.Clark, 1912)
34. Dichrometra protectus (P.H.Carpanter, 1879)
35. Lamprometra palmata (Muller, 1841)
36. Stephanometra indica (Smith, 1876)
37. Selenemetra aranea (A.H.Clark,1909)
Family: Stephanometridae
38. Stephanometra coronata (A.H.Clark, 1909)
39. Stephanometra indica (Smith, 1876)
40. Stephanometra monacantha (Hartlaub, 1890)
Family: Colobometridae
41. Cenometra herdmani (A.H.Clark, 1909)
42. Cenometra bella (Hartlaub, 1890)
43. Cenometra emendatrix (Bell, 1892)
44. Colobometra brevicirra (A.H.Clark, 1912)
45. Colobometra perspinosa (P.H. Carpanter, 1881)
46. Colobometra discolor (A.H.Clark, 1909)
47. Petasometra clarae (Hartlaub, 1890)
48. Cotylometra gracilicirra (A.H.Clark, 1908)
49. Decametra brevicirra (A.H.Clark, 1912)
50. Decametra moebiusi (A.H.Clark, 1911)
51. Iconometra intermedia (A.H.Clark, 1912)
52. Oligometra imbricata (A.H.Clark, 1909)
53. Oligometra serripinna (P.H.Carpanter, 1881)
Family: Pontiopmetridae
54. Pontiometra andersoni (P.H.Carpanter, 1889)
Family: Antedonidae
49
55. Andrometra indica (A.H.Clark, 1909)

56. Euantedon sp
57. Dorometra nana (Hartlaub, 1890)
58. Mastigometra micropoda (A.H.Clark, 1909)
59. Psathyrometra inusitata (A.H.Clark, 1912)
60. Psathyrometra mira (A.H.Clark, 1909)
61. Sarametra nicrobarica (A.H.Clark, 1929)
62. Trichometra plana (A.H.Clark, 1912)
63. Trichometra obscura (A.H.Clark, 1909)
Family: Tropiometridae
64. Tropiometra carinata (Lamarck, 1816)
65. Tropiometra afra (Hartlaub, 1890)
Family: Calometridae
66. Neometra spinosissima (A.H.Clark, 1909)
Family: Thalassometridae
67. Crotalometra rustica (A.H.Clark, 1909)
68. Crotalometra sentifera (A.H.Clark, 1909)
69. Stiremetra carinifera (A.H.Clark, 1912)
70. Thalassometra peripolos (A.H.Clark, 1929)
71. Thalassometra sp
Family: Eudiometridae
72. Eudiocrinus minor (A.H.Clark, 1919)
73. Eudiocirnus ornatus (A.H.Clark, 1919)
Family: Zygometridae
74. Zygometra andromeda (A.H.Clark, 1912)
Family: Chartiometridae
75. Glyptometra crassa (A.H.Clark, 1912)
76. Glyptometra invenusta (A.H.Clark, 1909)
77. Glyptometra macilenta (A.H.Clark, 1909)
78. Perissometra occidentalis (A.H.Clark, 1929)
Family: Pentametrocrinidae
79 .Pentametrocrinus varians (P.H.Carpanter, 1882)
80 .Decametrocrinus sp
50
81. Thaumatocrinus investigatoris (A.H.Clark, 1912)

Order-Bourgueticrinida
Family: Bourgueticrinidae
82. Bathycirrus woodmasoni (A.H.Clark, 1909)
Family: Hintacrinitidae
83. Comastrocinus ornatus (A.H.Clark, 1909)
84. Comastrocrinus Springeri (A.H.Clark, 1909
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Authors are grateful to Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India, for
financial support and the researchers of ZSI, Port Blair for their assistance
during underwater survey.
REFERENCES
Ausich, W.I. 1996a. Phylogeny and classification of Ordovician Crinoidea
(Echinodermata). Geol. Soc. Amer. Abstr. with Pap. 28:292.
Ausich, W.I. 1996b. Crinoid plate circlet homologies. J. Paleontol., 70:955-964.
Ausich, W.I. 1997. Calyx plate homologies and early evolutionary history of the
Crinoidea. Paleont. Soc. Papers 3:289-304.
Ausich, W.I. 1998a. Early phylogeny and subclass division of the Crinoidea. J.
Paleontol., 72:499-510.
Ausich, W.I. 1998b. Origin of the class Crinoidea. in: Mooi, R.; Telford, M. (Ed.)
(1998). Echinoderms: San Francisco: Proceedings of the Ninth International
Echinoderm Conference, San Francisco, California, USA, 5-9 August, 1996.
Ausich, W.I. 1999. Origin of crinoids, p. 237-242. In M. D. Candia Carnevali and F.
Bonasara (eds.), Echinoderm Research 1998. A. A. Balkema, Rotterdam.
Barnes, R.D. 1982. Invertebrate Zoology. Philadelphia. Saunders College
Publication.
Bather, F.A. 1900. The Echinodermata. pp. 344p. IN: Lankester, E.R. (eds.) A
Treatise on Zoology, Part III. Adam and Charles Black, London.
Clark, A. M and Rowe, F.W.E. 1971. Monograph of sahallow-water Indo-West
Pacific Echinoderms., Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History),
London.
51
Hendler, G. 2004. Collecting, Preserving and Archiving Echinoderms. Los

Angeles: Natural History of Los Angeles County.
Messing, C.G. 1987. To the Deep Reef and Beyond. Deep Ocean Society, Miami,
Florida, 30p.
Messing, C. G. 2006. Charles Messing's Crinoid Pages Florida: Nova
Southeastern University Oceanographic Center.
Moore, R.C. & Teichert, C. (eds.) 1978. Crinoidea. Treatise on Invertebrate
Paleontology, Pt. T. Echinodermata 2(1-3). Geol. Soc. Amer. & Univ. Kansas,
Lawrence.
Sastry, D.R.K. 2007. Echinodermata of India: An Annotated list. Rec. Zool. Surv.
India, Occ. Paper No. 271: 1-387.
Simms, M.J. 1988. The phylogeny of post-Paleozoic crinoids. pp. 269-284 In:
Paul, C.R.C. & Smith, A.B. (eds.), Echinoderm Phylogeny and Evolutionary
Biology. Clarendon Press, Oxford.
Simms, M.J. 1994. Reinterpretation of thecal plate homlogy and phylogeny in
the class Crinoidea. Lethaia, 26:303-312.
Simms, M.J. & Sevastopulo, G.D. 1993. The origin of Articulate crinoids.
Palaeontology, 36(1):91-109.
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OCCASIONAL PAPER NO.

OCCASIONAL PAPER NO.

ZOOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

Published: December, 2011

©Government of India, 2011

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Published at the Publication Division by the Director, Zoological Survey of India,

relationships among crinoids. Thecal plate homology suggested by Simms is

ambulacral groove bordered by

unicellular algae, foraminiferans, actinopods), invertebrate larvae, small

stalked sessile crinoids (Barnes, 1982).

approximately central….......……………………...………………..Family: Comasteridae

with 12-18 segments………………………………………………..…Comanthus wahlbergi

Arms with 21-50 cirri of 12-15 segments, to 15 mm long; up to 170

More than 60 arms; no dorsal processes on the distal cirrus

brachials joined by synarthry………………….............…………...Petasometra clarae

two; cirri with 41-80 segments; all the pinnule present.......................................

Always more than 10 arms………………………….……..…......Family: Mariametridae

Second interradial arm is the largest proximal pinnule……Genus: Lamprometra

Proximal pinnules enlarged, stiff and spike like…………...Genus: Stephanometra

Map 1- Andaman & Nicobar Islands

COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION

Comanthus parvicirrus (Muller, 1841)

Fig. 1a Comanthus parvicirrus (Muller, 1841)

Fig. 1b Comanthus parvicirrus (Muller, 1841)

Fig. 1c Comanthus parvicirrus (Muller, 1841)

Comanthus wahlbergi (Muller, 1843)

Comanthus alternans (P.H. Carpenter, 1881)

Fig. 3 Comanthus alternans(Carpenter, 1881)

4 Comanthus nobilis (P.H. Carpenter, 1881)

Fig. 4a Comanthina nobilis (P.H.Carpanter, 1884)

Fig. 4b Comanthina nobilis (P.H.Carpanter, 1884)

Comaster schlegeli (P.H. Carpenter, 1881)

Fig. 5b Comaster schlegeli (P.H.Carpanter, 1881)

Fig. 5c Comaster schlegeli (P.H.Carpanter, 1881)

Comaster multibrachiata (P.H. Carpenter, 1888)

Fig. 6a Comaster multibrachiata (P.H.Carpanter, 1888)

Fig. 6b Comaster multibrachiata Fig. 6c Comaster multibrachiata

7 Comaster multifidus (J. Muller, 1841)

Comaster audax Rowe, Birtles &Vail, 1986

Fig. 8 Comaster audax Rowe, Hoggett, Birtles & Vail, 1986

Capillaster multiradiatus (Linneaus, 1986)

Comatula pectinata (Linneaus, 1758)

Phanogenia multibrachiata (P. H. Carpenter, 1888)

Fig. 11 Phanogenia multibrachiata (Carpenter, 1888)

Oxycomanthus bennetti (Muller, 1841)

Fig. 12 Oxycomanthus bennetti (Muller, 1841)

Family: HIMEROMETRIDAE A.H. Clark, 1907

Fig. 13a Himerometra robustipinna (P.H.Carpanter, 1912)

Fig. 13b Himerometra robustipinna (P.H.Carpanter, 1912)

Himerometra magnipinna (A. H. Clark, 1908)

Heterometra philiberti (Muller, 1849)

Fig. 15 Heterometra philiberti (Muller, 1849)

Heterometra crenulata (P.H.Carpenter, 1882)

Fig. 16 Heterometra crenulata (P.H.Carpenter, 1882)

Amphimetra molleri (A. H. Clark, 1908)

Fig. 17 Amphimetra molleri (A.H.Clark, 1908)

Family: MARIAMETRIDAE A.H. Clark, 1909