They can have up to 30 arms [2] and can be of variable colours but are often characterised by a marked contrast between the extending free-arms and the feathery pinnules (for example, dark brown and white).

[4][5] C. bella typically has five short, stiff and stout bifurcating arm bases that radiate from the centrodorsal plate of the comatulid ray, but this number can vary per individual.

Each arm has a long white central ridge with dark brown spotted pinnules that project outwards, and slightly taper inwards at the distal end, much like that of a fern plant.

The growing larvae, once attached to a surface undergoes metamorphosis into a small crinoid and remains mostly sessile during growth.

[3] As nocturnal critters, they partially hide, sessile, within rocks and corals during the day with their mouths oriented upwards.

[6][9] Cenometra bella typically occupies shallow tropical waters,[6][3] living in open-surfaces [9] below depths of 5 meters.

[6] Being mainly sessile creatures, C. bella is highly susceptible to predators like large fish and other marine organisms.

[3] In addition, C. bella are able to produce aversive tasting and toxic chemicals to deter predators from consuming their arms [3][9] that remain exposed out of their habitat throughout the day.

The deterrent taste not only provides immediate protection from their predators but also forms long-term negative conditioning to prevent large fish from attacking again.