Basket Star

From the Into the Deep exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

 

These creatures live deep in the ocean -- 1800 feet or more.

 

This extraordinary invertebrate has a mass of twisting and turning arms that can measure a meter long. Each branch has tiny sharp hooks, allowing the creature to capture prey.

 

It feasts mainly on zooplankton.

 

Basket stars are able to grow their limbs back if they are broken or chopped off by predators – an ability as freakish as it is amazing.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

In Explore 20 September 2023

 

© Melissa Post 2023

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