Astrophyton+Muricatum

** Scientific Classification ** Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Echinodermata Class: Ophiuroidea Order:Phrynophiurida Family: Gorgonocephalidae Genus: Astrophyton Species: A. muricatum

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- Also known as Giant Basket Star

- Found in Caribbean and western Atlantic, in depths from 2 to 320 m

- During the day, curls up into tight ball shape to protect itself from predators



-At night, climb up to an elevated point and faces current to feed on plankton

-Extends arms into a bowl-like shake

-Tiny hooks along arms prevent prey from escaping

**Sources** [] [|http://funscubadiver.com/gallery/belize-basket-star.htm] [|http://species-identification.org/species.php?species_group=caribbean_diving_guide&id=395] [|http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LyxZsaQuZO8/SeI5L6zrTTI/AAAAAAAAEkc/231Tc-qHL_M/s400/2.jpg] [|http://lh5.ggpht.com/abramsv/SH-3VsMnfgI/AAAAAAAAVqo/iTQ4cwi8xmc/s800/ertytry4565.jpg]