Basket star
A basket star is a marine echinoderm related to brittle stars, with repeatedly branching arms adapted for filter feeding.
Also known as: basketstar, euryalid brittle star
How big is it?
20 cm across
Also 7.874 in
Defined arm-tip span · defined specimen
Typical recorded range: 10 cm to 50 cm.
A little perspective
About the same scale as Sea hare.
Sea hare: A sea hare is a soft-bodied marine mollusc related to sea slugs, capable of releasing ink when threatened.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Basket star
A defined 20 cm expanded basket star measured across the branching arm tips. Species and posture alter the projected span dramatically; the central disc is much smaller.
Smithsonian Ocean — Basket stars
The marked defined arm-tip span is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Sea hare
A defined 20 cm Aplysia sea hare measured along the relaxed body. Species, maturity and posture vary greatly; extended oral tentacles are excluded.
Monterey Bay Aquarium — California sea hare
The marked defined body length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 20 cm
For comparison, this page uses defined arm-tip span. This is labelled defined specimen: an explicit comparison model rather than a claim that every example has the same value. The recorded range is 10 cm to 50 cm.
A defined 20 cm expanded basket star measured across the branching arm tips. Species and posture alter the projected span dramatically; the central disc is much smaller.
The marked horizontal span follows the named feature; transparent margins and unmeasured details do not alter it. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Basket star dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 cm | 10 cm to 50 cm | defined specimen |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible length records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · Living thingsFeather star15 cmA feather star is a marine crinoid with multiple feathery arms used for filter feeding and movement on the sea floor.
Around the same scale · Living thingsSea hare20 cmA sea hare is a soft-bodied marine mollusc related to sea slugs, capable of releasing ink when threatened.
Nearest higher value · Living thingsBrown rat25 cmA brown rat is a medium-sized rodent that adapts easily to urban and rural environments.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- Smithsonian Ocean — Basket starsEuryalid anatomy and branching-arm form; the atlas uses an explicitly defined projected specimen.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
Living thingsFeather star15 cmA feather star is a marine crinoid with multiple feathery arms used for filter feeding and movement on the sea floor.Living thingsSea hare20 cmA sea hare is a soft-bodied marine mollusc related to sea slugs, capable of releasing ink when threatened.
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