The Basket Star – Astrocladus euryale is a fascinating and unique species of brittle star belonging to the class Ophiuroidea. These marine invertebrates are known for their distinctive basket-like arms, which they use to capture food.
Description & Characteristics
The Astrocladus euryale is characterized by its intricate and extensive network of branching arms that can extend up to 60 cm in length. These arms form a basket-like structure, creating a vast surface area for catching prey. The body, or central disc, of the Astrocladus euryale is relatively small, usually measuring around 2-3 cm in diameter. Its color can range from a pale grayish-brown to a deep reddish-brown, often blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Astrocladus euryale is a common inhabitant of the deep ocean, inhabiting a depth range of 200 to 1000 meters. This species typically thrives in the bathypelagic and abyssopelagic zones, environments characterized by low light and immense pressure. It can be found attached to rocks, corals, and other hard substrates, often in areas with strong currents.
Taxonomy
The Astrocladus euryale is classified as a member of the class Ophiuroidea, which encompasses all brittle stars. Within this class, it belongs to the order Euryalida, a group known for their branched arms. The Astrocladus euryale is further categorized as a member of the family Gorgonocephalidae, a family that includes various species with distinctive basket-like arms.
Feeding
The Astrocladus euryale is a suspension feeder, relying on a diet primarily consisting of zooplankton. This includes microscopic organisms such as copepods, krill, and other small crustaceans. The Astrocladus euryale captures its prey by extending its branched arms into the water column, trapping food particles on its mucus-coated surface. The arms then gradually move towards the mouth, where the food is ingested.
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