Like other sea lilies, Cenocrinus asterius has a crown consisting of a calyx surrounded by feathery arms splayed out to create a filtration fan.

This enables it to maximise the capture of food particles by the sticky tube feet on its arms without them being fouled by the collection of its own faecal matter.

[3] Cenocrinus asterius has been studied in a laboratory flow tank where it was found that, with the base of the stem detached, it could move itself along the substrate and climb objects.

[4] In its natural surroundings, it may be assisted in this process by the hydrodynamic lift provided by a strong current in elevating its fan of arms.

In the case of Cenocrinus asterius, this may be in response to attack by the sea urchin Calocidaris micans which has been shown to feed on live crinoids.