Euryalida
Euryalida is an order of brittle stars, characterized by their flexible arms and distinctive morphology. They are widely distributed in marine ecosystems, playing a crucial role in benthic food webs. Commonly known as basket stars, their unique appearance and feeding habits set them apart from other echinoderms.
Characteristics
Euryalida are characterized by their branched arms, which are highly flexible and capable of intricate movements. This unique feature gives them their common name, "basket stars," as their arms often intertwine to form a basket-like structure. These arms are covered in numerous spines and pincers, which aid in capturing prey and defending against predators.
Unlike most other brittle stars, Euryalida lack a distinct central disc, with their arms merging seamlessly into a central body mass. They also possess a unique feeding apparatus called a "jaw" that allows them to capture and consume prey. The jaw is located at the base of the arms and is equipped with sharp teeth for grasping and crushing food.
Environment
Euryalida are found in a wide range of marine habitats, from shallow coastal areas to deep-sea trenches. They are particularly common in environments with strong currents, where their flexible arms help them maintain their position on the seabed. Basket stars are often found attached to rocks, coral reefs, or seagrass beds, where they can ambush prey and filter food particles from the water column.
Feeding Habits
Euryalida are primarily suspension feeders, relying on capturing small organisms and organic matter from the water column. They use their branched arms to create a net-like structure that traps food particles. The arms are also equipped with mucus-producing glands that help to capture and transport food to the mouth.
Some species of Euryalida are also known to be carnivorous, preying on small invertebrates such as crustaceans and polychaetes. They use their jaws to crush and consume prey, often capturing them with their flexible arms.