Gorgonocephalus+eucnemis



** Scientific Classification ** Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Echinodermata Class: Ophiuroidea Order: Phrynophiurida Family: Gorgonocephalidae Genus: Gorgonocephalus Species: G. eucnemis



- Largest known ophiuroids with diameter up to 50 cm

- Colors range from tan, orange-red, pink, to almost white

- Central disk is usually darker than arms

- Found in Gulf of Mexico in depths from 22 to 800 m



-Feeds on macroscopic zooplankton by spreading itself like a fan facing the current

-Arms curl around prey and slowly move it to the mouth

-Some may wait until daytime to digest prey

-Branches repeat dichotomously

**Sources** http://www.wallawalla.edu/academics/departments/biology/rosario/inverts/Echinodermata/Class%20Ophiuroidea/Gorgonocephalus_eucnemis.html http://storiesfromoceansedge.blogspot.com/2009/05/basket-star-gorgonocephalus-eucnemis.html http://www.wallawalla.edu/academics/departments/biology/rosario/inverts/Echinodermata/Class%20Ophiuroidea/Gorgonocephalus_eucnemisDLC.jpg http://www.metridium.com/akgallery/basketstar.jpg