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Crinoidea

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Modern day living crinoid in the water
Modern day crinoid (Ptilometra australis) on the reef of Batu Moncho Island (near Komodo, Indonesia).
Illustration of crinoid anatomy
Anatomy of a crinoid.

Modern Day Crinoids

Crinoids are more commonly known as sea lilies. Today, there are approximately 600 living identified species.

In the Museum Collections

View specimen list here.

Total crinoid specimens: 143

Total identified species: ~42

Specimens from Arkansas: 39

Identified species from Arkansas: 2

Fossil Record

Crinoids first appear in the fossil record in the Cambrian (541 – 485.4 million years ago). 5,000 fossil species have been identified.

An irregularly shaped rock against a white surface with fossil impressions throughout it.
Arkansas map indicating Washington county

Crinoid fossil specimen (UA Museum), Washington County, AR. Map indicates county specimen was found.

Image Credits:

  • Ausich, William I. General morphology of a stalked crinoid. Wikimedia Commons. CC BY 3.0. 
  • Vasenin, Alexander. Crinoid on the reef of Batu Moncho Island (near Komodo, Indonesia). Wikimedia Commons. CC BY 3.0. 
  • Lamb, Laurel. U of A Museum paleontological specimen.
  • Oberg, Danielle. Arkansas map.