Hey ocean lovers! 🌊 This January, we’re kicking off the Amazing Sansha series, and Episode 1 takes us on a breathtaking dive into the South China Sea to meet the sea lily—no, it’s not a flower, but a marine superstar! 🌸
So what’s a sea lily? These creatures belong to the echinoderm family (think starfish and sea urchins) and boast striking, flower-like arms. Anchored to coral or rocky surfaces, they wave their feathery arms to catch plankton—tiny drifting organisms that are oceanic breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Why should you care? 🌍 The South China Sea is a biodiversity hotspot, stretching from the shores of Vietnam and the Philippines to Malaysia and beyond. Sea lilies help keep this underwater world balanced by filtering plankton, which supports coral reefs and fish nurseries. If you’ve ever snorkeled in Palawan or dived around Thailand’s Similan Islands, you’ve likely seen their cousins.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Appearance: Flower-like arms in shades of red, white, or purple.
- Habitat: Coral reefs, rocky ledges, and ancient shipwrecks 20–200 meters deep.
- Diet: Plankton filtered from seawater.
- Role: Ocean cleaners and coral helpers!
In the next episodes, we’ll uncover more of Sansha’s hidden gems—from colorful reef fish to mysterious invertebrates. Stay tuned and get ready to explore one of the planet’s richest marine realms! 🚀🐠
Got questions about sea lilies or tips from your own dives? Drop a comment below! Let’s make waves together. 💬👇
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
