Crinoids and Clownfish

On a lighter note, In an effort to illustrate some of the more natural and beautiful sites we have seen. I have asked some other members of our expedition to provide some images from their explorations. Allison Palmer and Robert Schroeder have provided some nice examples. The first is this (Davidaster rubiginosa) or Sea Lillie captured by Allison off Tinian. Crinoids are echinoderms and are related to startfish. First appearing in the Ordovician, they are some of the oldest organisms in the ocean.

A few days later, Robert Schroeder happened upon this cute little Dusky Anemonefish (Amphiprion melanopus) tucked into his cozy home. Anemonefish or Clownfish as they are often known are native to the the Pacific and Indian oceans and are not found in the Atlantic. More's the pity. They are too cute. These small fish live in a mutualistic relationship with an anemone which they adopt and defend. The anemone provides the clownfish with protection while the clownfish may help to aerate the anemone's tentacles and keep them free of parasites.