1. plural of comatulid; a group of free-living feather stars (echinoderms) that lack a stalk in their adult form, belonging to the family Comatulidae.
Usage: scientific/zoological term; typically used in plural form

Examples

• Comatulids are commonly found on coral reefs and rocky substrates throughout the world's oceans.
• Unlike their stalked relatives, comatulids can move freely across the seafloor using their arms.
• Marine biologists collected several comatulids during the deep-sea expedition.
• The comatulids in this region display remarkable color variation.
• Comatulids feed on plankton by extending their feathery arms into the water column.