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Gorgonocephalus eucnemis (Müller and Troschel, 1842)
Basket Star
Family: Gorgonocephalidae
Introduction to the Echinoderms of BC

Photograph

© thomas carefoot     (Photo ID #15005)

Map

E-Fauna BC Static Map

Distribution of Gorgonocephalus eucnemis in British Columbia in British Columbia

Introduction


This is a circumpolar species of basket star that ranges south to California and is found at depths of 2 to 1240 meters--it is the only species of basket star present in this geographical region (Lambert and Austin 2007). RaceRocks (2011) indicates that it "can be found in rocky intertidals in areas with high high currents only (~10cm/s or more ). Juveniles typically cling to adults and on octocoral colonies ,while adults locate crevices in which to hide during day and then climb to an elevated point to feed at night". This species has long-coiling arms that branch at the tips, and a disc up to 14 cm in diameter. It is usually tan-coloured with brown markings, but may also be maroon, reddish, orange, salmon, pink or white (Lambert and Austin 2007).

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)		COSEWIC
UnlistedUnlistedUnlistedUnlisted



BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

Additional Range and Status Information Links

Ocean Biogeographic Information System Distribution Map

Species References

Lambert, Phillip and William C. Austin. 2007. Brittle Stars, Sea Urchins and Feather Stars of British Columbia, Southeast Alaska and Puget Sound. Royal BC Museum, Victoria.Gorgonocephalus eucnemis

General References

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