Holdfast

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Echinoderms

Stalked crinoids (sea lilies), so called because they have stems, generally are firmly fixed to a surface by structures at the ends of the stalks called
holdfasts. Some fossil and living forms release themselves to move to new attachment areas. The unstalked crinoids (feather stars) generally swim by thrashing their numerous arms up and down in a coordinated way; for example, in a 10-armed...

ostariophysan fishes

Associated with locomotion is the need for maintaining position in the water, particularly in the rapid torrents of mountain streams. A variety of modifications have evolved that function as
holdfasts, anchoring the fish to rocks or similar objects. The hill stream loaches (Balitoridae) of southeastern Asia possess a large ventral suction disk formed by the expanded pectoral and pelvic fins....

seaweed

...In areas of an estuary where water movement is vigorous enough to remove sediment, leaving a stony or rocky bottom, rooted plants are replaced by seaweeds. These have a special structure known as a
holdfast, which attaches itself to any hard surface. Phytoplankton floating freely in the water benefit from the high level of nutrients, especially near the head of the estuary, and grow rapidly,...