Great basket star
Astrophyton muricatum
(Lamarck, 1816)
Description:
Easily recognized, because the arms are many branched. Color varies from dark brown to light yellowish brown.
At night, the arms are unfolded and the animal uses this net to catch plankton. During the day, the animal will curl up. When it is attached to sea feathers or sea whips, they form a tight knot not unlike a flower bud.
Size: up to 55 cm from arm tip to arm tip.
Habitat:
Inhabits reefs clinging to sea feathers or sea whips, or hides in recesses.
Depth: ranges from 6 m down to 30 m.
Distribution:
Common all over the Caribbean.