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Submersible and laboratory observations on Asteroschema tenue, a long-armed euryaline brittle star epizoic on gorgonians

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Abstract

In situ and laboratory obervations of the biology and behaviour of the deep-sea, euryaline brittle star Asteroschema tenue Lyman, from Jamaica, are described. The brittle star is found clinging to the gorgonian Ellisella barbadensis at depths of 168 to 230 m off Jamaica, and is here restricted to this gorgonian. The brittle star, which is usually cryptically coloured, is active principally nocturnally, when it extends arm loops and employs the tube feet for microphagous filter-feeding. Locomotory activity is limited to extension and retraction along the gorgonian, achieved by means of unusual arm-loop patterns. Association with a gorgonian appears to be essential for the survival of the brittle star. The study was conducted in 1985.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, King's College London (KQC), Kensington Campus, Campden Hill Road, W8 7AH, London, England

    R. H. Emson

  2. Discovery Bay marine Laboratory, University of the West Indies, Discovery Bay, Jamaica

    J. D. Woodley

Authors
  1. R. H. Emson
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  2. J. D. Woodley
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Communicated by J. Mauchline, Oban

Order of authors' names is arbitrary

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Emson, R.H., Woodley, J.D. Submersible and laboratory observations on Asteroschema tenue, a long-armed euryaline brittle star epizoic on gorgonians. Marine Biology 96, 31–45 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00394836

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