Basket Star
Gorgonocephalus arcticus

f22 @ 1/60s, Ektachrome 64 slide film, ASA:64, Nikonos II w 28mm and Nikon close-up lens, Oceanic flash

\"Gorgonocephalis,\" Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Members of this genus have a central disc with five arms which repeatedly bifurcate, dichotomously branching into smaller and smaller subdivisions. They have an endoskeleton of calcified ossicles as do other ophiuroids, but in their case, it is covered by a fleshy layer of skin, giving them a rubbery appearance. To feed, a basket star perches in an elevated position such as on a sponge, and extend its arms in a basket-like fashion. The branches and branchlets twist and coil and may ensnare small crustaceans that come within reach such as the northern krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica). The arms are covered in tiny hooks and spines which hold the prey. Along with the tube feet, these convey it to the mouth, which is on the underside of the central disc

Eastport, Maine

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