The variability of delta C-13 and delta O-18 was determined within the columnal facet of individual ossicles, within different regions of skeletons and within bulk skeletons of extant stalked crinoids. Isotopic compositions of individual ossicles may vary by up similar to 1%. for both isotopes, whereas isotopic variability within a skeleton may be as high as similar to 2.8 parts per thousand. for delta C-13 and similar to 1.2 parts per thousand. for delta O-18. In contrast, mean isotopic compositions and variations are similar for different specimens of a single species from any particular locality. Isotopic variation was evaluated between higher taxonomic groups of crinoids. including Isocrinida, Comatulida. Bourgueticrinida and Cyrtocrinida. Skeletons of isocrinids, comatulids and bourgueticrinids are consistently more negative in delta C-13 than those of cyrtocrinids. This difference may be as high as similar to 10 parts per thousand, and is unrelated to the place of origin. Such isotopic differences reflect distinct physiological differences between crinoid groups we studied. Overall, their delta O-18 values show weak temperature dependence, which are overshadowed by the strong influence of physiological or vital effects on the isotopic composition of crinoid skeletal carbonate. Thus great caution needs to be exercised when using the stable isotope composition of crinoids as an environmental proxy. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.