Feather stars are unstalked crinoids that live in both shallow water and the depths of the ocean. Their scientific name, crinoid, comes from the Greek words for ‘lily' (krinon) and ‘form' (eidos). Without a stalk, they are able to move ever so slightly across the sea floor. Using modern technology, researchers have recorded feather stars moving at up to 5 centimeters per second. Although this might not seem like an incredible speed, it is essential for their health and survivability. Their speed primarily depends on gender, native tendencies, and vicinity of predators.