Giant Basket Star
Giant Basket Star, At Night
| Name: | Giant Basket Star |
| Scientific Name: | Astrophyton muricatum |
| Family: | Brittle Stars |
| Taxonomic: | Gorgonocephalidae |
| ID Group: | Sea Stars, Urchins, Cucumbers |
| Size: | up to 18 in. |
| Depth Range: | Various depths (0 – 130 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen sometimes |
This Species has many thin, branching arms. During the day, the arms curl into a ball, but at night they spread out to create a net for catching plankton.
The Giant Basket Star closes its arms when illuminated by a light beam. It may also host a beautiful Basket Star Shrimp living among its branches.