Habitat: Coral reef and coral-algal bottoms, in rock crevices, and among corals. Distribution: Caribbean, South Carolina to south-eastern Florida. Natural History Notes: C. echinoptera is cryptic and strictly nocturnal. Individuals extend their longest arms from their crevices at night to feed. The species demonstrates a negative phototaxic response. Depth: 2-92 m Characteristics: This crinoid has 10 arms and varies greatly in size, reacing a maximum diameter of 30 cm. The arms are thickened near the base, and those near the mouth are generally longer than the others. The mouth is located near the edge of the tegumen, and the anal cone is central. The four pairs of pinnules nearest the mouth on each arm have terminal comb teeth. The cirri are white, the arms reddish brown flecked with yellow, and the pinnules are yellow.