Fisherman Discovers Strange “Seaweed” — Then Realizes It’s Alive!

When a fisherman caught a lump of “seaweed,” he picked it up and discovered it was alive. Having never seen anything like it, he recorded the find on social media. The lump of “seaweed” is a sea creature called a basket star.

What Is A Basket Star?

The basket star has an appropriate name. It curls into a large “basket” to catch food by extending its tendrils. The small animal is an echinoderm . This family includes more commonly known animals such as sea stars, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers. These critters can thrive in all oceans and seas, including cold, deep regions and tropical waters.

The arms extend from a central disc that can grow up to five inches in diameter. This central area contains the animal’s internal organs and mouth. They use their arms to trap their food. The arms can also be helpful to deter predators. By wrapping its arms in a tight ball around the body, they can protect themselves. When fully extended, the arms of a large basket star can reach four feet in diameter.

The tendrils have spines and hooks. When a basket star traps prey, it wraps it in mucus and then moves it with its arms toward its mouth. The basket star regurgitates non-digestible parts because the little critters are lacking an anus and can’t poop. What a fascinating creature! Mother Nature can be amazing!

Please share if this is your first glimpse of this unique creature.

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