Gorgonocephalidae

Characteristics

Basket stars have a central disc with five long, slender arms that repeatedly branch, forming a complex, tangled network. This intricate structure is used for feeding, as the arms trap food particles in the water and transport them towards the mouth. They lack spines on their arms, unlike most other brittle stars, and have a distinctive network of small, tube-like structures known as "papulae" on the dorsal surface of their disc and arms. These papulae are involved in respiration and excretion.

Environments

Basket stars are primarily found in deep-sea environments, where they prefer to live on rocky bottoms, coral reefs, and sponge gardens. They are often found attached to hard surfaces, using their arms to anchor themselves. Some species are also found in shallow coastal waters, particularly in caves and crevices.

Feeding

Basket stars are suspension feeders, relying on a constant flow of water carrying food particles. They utilize their intricate arm network as a feeding apparatus, trapping food particles in the branches and transporting them towards the mouth. Their diet consists of a wide variety of organisms, including plankton, small invertebrates, and even fish larvae.

Reproduction

Basket stars are dioecious, meaning they have separate sexes. Fertilization is external, and the larvae develop in the water column before settling on the seabed. Some species are known to brood their eggs, providing additional protection to their offspring.

Classification

The Gorgonocephalidae family is classified within the order Euryalida. This order includes some of the most bizarre and visually striking brittle stars, known for their intricate branching arms and unique feeding mechanisms. Within the Gorgonocephalidae, there are around 30 recognized species.

References

• World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
• Encyclopædia Britannica
• Smithsonian Ocean Portal