The basket star is a deep-sea marvel with arms that mimic a mythical monster

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Basket stars are complex echinoderms known for their intricately branched arms. While some species dwell in the deep sea, others emerge at night on tropical reefs. These creatures, which can live for 35 years, lack blood entirely, relying instead on a unique water vascular system for essential gas exchange.

Belonging to the suborder Euryalina, basket stars are the largest members of the ophiuroid group. Their name, Gorgonocephalus, draws from Greek mythology, referencing the Gorgon’s head and its writhing serpent hair. This comparison is apt, as the creature’s repeatedly branched arms create a dense, tangled appearance. In contrast, their close relatives, the snake stars, possess long, simple curling arms rather than the complex, branching structures that define the basket star.

These animals are remarkably resilient, capable of reaching weights up to 5 kilograms and arm lengths of 70 centimeters. Their survival strategy is highly specialized; during the day, species like the giant basket star curl into a tight, protective ball to evade predators. At night, they climb to elevated points and extend their arms into a bowl-like shape to feed. While many species inhabit cold or abyssal waters, some are found in shallow tropical reefs. Young individuals often rely on specific types of coral for their habitat.

The evolutionary history of these creatures remains somewhat mysterious, with a fossil record that is relatively sparse, dating back only to the Carboniferous period. Taxonomically, they are divided into three main families: Asteronychidae, Euryalidae, and Gorgonocephalidae. The latter is the most diverse, containing 34 genera and 96 distinct species. Despite their size and complexity, they remain fundamentally similar to other echinoderms in their physiological makeup, specifically their reliance on a water vascular system for respiration rather than a traditional circulatory system.

Understanding the diversity of these organisms is an ongoing scientific endeavor. Researchers continue to classify new sub-families, such as the Astrocloninae and Astrothamninae, to better map the relationships within this group. Whether found in the circumpolar environments of the Northern Hemisphere or the tropical waters of the Caribbean, the basket star remains a fascinating example of marine adaptation, demonstrating how life can thrive in diverse, often extreme, underwater conditions.

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