Echinodermata
Astrophyton muricatum
(Caribbean Basket Star)
1. In situ - Image shows diurnal state of Caribbean basket sitting inside Ircinia campana (Danny Gleason)
2. In situ - Image shows diurnal state of Caribbean basket sitting inside Ircinia campana (Danny Gleason)
3. In situ - Image shows diurnal state of Caribbean basket star attached to Leptogorgia hebes (Danny Gleason)
4. In situ - Image shows retracted state of Caribbean basket star attached to Leptogorgia hebes (Danny Gleason)
5. Out of water (Lauren Wagner)
6. Out of water (Lauren Wagner)
7. Out of water (Lauren Wagner)
8. Out of water (Lauren Wagner)
Size
Disk diameter: 5cm (2") Arm length: reaching to 40cm (15")
Recognition Characters
Highly branched. Numerous, thin arms that when extended form a fan-shaped plankton net. Branches resemble thin twigs.
Color
Varies in color. Yellowish-tan to dark brown. Juveniles may be tan and lavender striped.
Habitat & Depth
Attach and cling to soft corals and sea fans on reefs. To 30m.
Distribution at GRNMS
Locally abundant during warmer months. Found attached to Leptogorgia hebes and other soft corals.
Geographic Range
Georgia, Florida, Caribbean. Unknown from North of Georgia
Behavior & Notes
Behavior is similar to most basket stars. The animal is nocturnal. At night it will position itself on top of sea whips or sponges and extend arms into current to capture planktonic animals. During day the animal will coil into a tight tangled ball while attached to soft coral or sponges.
Synonyms
Humann 1992a