#the abyss stares back

Star of the Abyss

The abyssal brittle star (Ophiocten hastatum) gets its name from its choice of habitat: the abyssal plain, a vast, flat expanse of seabed located over 4,000 meters beneath the surface.

Despite the sinister appearance of its mouth, this deep sea echinoderm feeds only on organic particulate matter and marine detritus. Yum!

It is an opportunist, with life history traits that include an early age of maturity, and the capacity to produce large quantities of tiny, easily-dispersed eggs. This survival strategy allows it to quickly multiply during times of plentiful food—a rare occurrence in the barren blackness of the deep. 

Image source: Museum Victoria

Reference:Gage et al.2004.