Habitat 
Depth 
Group 
Role WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
This large echinoderm is recognised by its very long, highly branched arms, giving it a tangled appearance when folded. Once spread out, it forms a complex structure resembling a living net. It has several main arms dividing into numerous very fine secondary branches. Its size can be considerable when the arms are fully extended, spanning several tens of centimetres. Its colouring varies from brown to grey, sometimes with paler shades depending on the individual.WHERE DOES IT LIVE?
It lives attached to elevated supports such as sea fans, sponges or other coralligenous structures. It is generally encountered in deep areas exposed to steady currents that bring its food.WHAT DOES IT EAT?
It feeds by capturing plankton and suspended organic particles. Its highly branched arms form a real net that traps prey, which are then conveyed to the mouth through coordinated movements.GO FURTHER WITH AMIGANSEAU
Unlock the full profile
Deepen your knowledge with the exclusive chapters and interactive resources included in an AMIGANSEAU licence.
- HOW DOES IT REPRODUCE?
- OUR OBSERVATIONS
- UNDERSTAND THE SPECIES
Also included in the full profile
- Advanced navigation between description, ecological context, observations and behaviour
- Interactive food chain to explore the species’ feeding relationships
- Infographic and illustrated summary profile