Quentin Jossart
Sea star paxillae (1/2)
Close-up on the paxillae (umbrella-shaped skeletal structures) of the sea star Odontaster validus. This species is one of the most abundant invertebrates in Antarctica and also one of the most studied. O. validus can be found from shallow waters to up to 1000-meter depth. It is an ecologically important species that can feed on various organisms through predation (e.g. mollusks, crustaceans) or scavenging (massive aggregations on dead marine mammals have notably been observed).
Taken during the Belgica 121 expedition (more info: belgica120.be )
Sea star paxillae (1/2)
Close-up on the paxillae (umbrella-shaped skeletal structures) of the sea star Odontaster validus. This species is one of the most abundant invertebrates in Antarctica and also one of the most studied. O. validus can be found from shallow waters to up to 1000-meter depth. It is an ecologically important species that can feed on various organisms through predation (e.g. mollusks, crustaceans) or scavenging (massive aggregations on dead marine mammals have notably been observed).
Taken during the Belgica 121 expedition (more info: belgica120.be )