Habitat 
Depth 
Group 
Role 
Average sizeWHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
The net-like form of the basket star (Astrospartus mediterraneus) is clearest when spread: from the central disc, the arms divide at each fork down to fine curled tips. The whole takes on an almost circular shape.
Folded, those same arms form a compact tangle, hiding much of the disc. White, cream, beige and grey give the animal its generally pale appearance.
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?
The basket star’s net is alive: each arm divides into branches whose mobile tips retain small planktonic prey and organic particles. Little hooks help secure food while the arm tips curl around animals encountered. Food is not all sent towards the mouth immediately. Collection precedes arm coiling, which brings the meal towards the central disc. Feeding can be read in two stages: a widely spread network followed by progressive folding that transports the food.
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