Abstract
The feeding mechanism of the euryaline basket star Gorgonocephalus arcticus (Leach) from the Bay of Fundy is described from in situ and laboratory observations of feeding behaviour, analysis of gut contents, and examination of the anatomy and microanatomy of the arms. Gorgonocephalus arcticus, which is abundant in areas of moderate to strong current flow, is a fortuitous predatory suspension feeder, coiling and bending its arms to capture prey. The predominant food item in the gut was the euphausiacean Meganyctiphanes norvegica. Food capture by arm bending and coiling is assisted by the adherence of food to rings of sharp hooks on the arm. The role of the tube feet in food capture appears to be minor. Owing to the form of the feeding fan, the animal is adapted for life in strong currents. There is morphological evidence for the presence of mutable collagenous tissues which may be important in maintaining the feeding fan.
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