Marine biodiversity is essential to the healthy functioning of our planet, and the South China Sea hosts an extraordinary range of life – from vibrant coral reefs and reef fish to uniquely structured organisms such as sea lilies. Through the Amazing Sansha Series, we take a deep dive beneath the waves to explore the remarkable creatures and ecosystems that define this dynamic marine world.

If you spot a flower-like form gently swaying beneath the ocean surface, do not be deceived by its appearance – it may in fact be a sea lily, an echinoderm and a marine invertebrate. This episode reveals how sea lilies feed, and highlights how the South China Sea has become a vital sanctuary for a rich diversity of marine species.