Astrophyton

Lore & Background

The giant basket star is found in shallow parts of the tropical western Atlantic, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico, typically on coral reefs, boulders, or in seagrass meadows. During the day, it curls into a tight ball to hide from predators, often retreating to the base of corals or gorgonians or into crevices. At night, it climbs to an elevated perch, such as the top of a large coral or gorgonian, and extends its eight slender, repeatedly branching arms in a bowl-like shape to snare plankton and other organisms from the current. The mesh formed by the arms is fine, enabling it to capture even small juvenile fishes and shrimps. When a food particle touches the arms, the smallest branches close around it into a ball and move it to the mouth. The shrimp Periclimenes perryae often lives in association with the giant basket star, with larger individuals colored to match the basket star's hue.

Reader's Guide

The giant basket star is the sole representative of the genus Astrophyton, making it a unique taxonomic entity among echinoderms. Its behavior is highly adapted to nocturnal feeding: it only feeds when water conditions are optimal, orienting itself toward the current to maximize food capture. In strong currents, it keeps its arms folded; at moderate speeds, it spreads them wide. The overlapping bases of the arms may create turbulence that aids in capturing food. If disturbed by light while feeding, it curls up over several minutes into a fist-sized structure. Its association with the shrimp Periclimenes perryae illustrates a commensal relationship where the shrimp's coloration matches the basket star. The species is found from North Carolina to Brazil, at depths down to about 30 meters, and is a notable component of coral reef ecosystems in its range.

Did You Know?

• Astrophyton muricatum is the only species in the genus Astrophyton.
• It can reach a diameter of nearly a metre when its arms are fully extended.