In freezing sea temperatures as little as -2°C, solely the hardest creatures can survive in Antarctica’s brutal marine circumstances. One significantly formidable species, nonetheless, is constructed to dominate these icy depths, although it bears little resemblance to its acquainted five-armed family members.
The Antarctic solar starfish (Labidiaster annulatus), also referred to as the wolftrap starfish, is certainly one of 2,000 recognized sea star species on Earth, but it stands out as one of the crucial outstanding. Scientists exploring the Southern Ocean throughout BBC’s Blue Planet expedition dubbed it the “Death Star”.
Recognized collectively as ‘asteroids’, these spectacular echinoderms look positively otherworldly. Little or no is thought about this deep-sea predator, however what scientists have uncovered is outstanding.
How massive are Antarctic solar seastars?
Sprawling as much as 60 centimetres in diameter, this predator navigates the seabed at depths starting from 30 to 500 metres. You’ll discover it lingering amongst sand, gravel and rocks looking for its subsequent meal.
What number of arms do Antarctic solar seastars have?
Whereas commonplace sea stars usually characteristic 5 arms (also referred to as rays), predatory species typically possess way more. The Antarctic solar starfish is an excessive instance, rising as much as 50 slender, versatile rays that resemble octopus tentacles.
These rays are lined with raised, fleshy bands known as annuli, that are densely coated in microscopic, jaw-like pincers generally known as pedicellariae. With as much as 80 pedicellariae per band, its arms function like rows of snapping bear traps.
How do they catch their prey?
To hunt, the Antarctic solar starfish scales a tall rock or sponge to raise itself. Anchoring firmly with a number of of its limbs, it extends the remainder like a community of versatile traps.
As soon as an unsuspecting animal makes contact, the pedicellariae clamp shut, locking the struggling prey in place. The ocean star then makes use of its specialised tube toes to manoeuvre the catch immediately into its central mouth.
What do Antarctic solar seastars eat?
An opportunistic hunter, the Antarctic solar starfish will goal virtually something its dimension on the ocean ground. Evaluation of abdomen contents reveals a food plan of krill, amphipods, small fish and even different sea stars.
At the hours of darkness, freezing realm of the Antarctic seafloor, the wolftrap starfish stands as a masterclass in evolutionary adaptation. It’s a specialised predator completely suited to thrive in one of many planet’s most excessive environments.
Prime picture: Labidiaster annulatus taken throughout Waldo Schmitt’s gathering in the course of the Palmer Peninsula Survey 1962-1963. Credit score: Smithsonian Establishment Archives, No restrictions, through Wikimedia Commons
