[2] Diplasterias brucei usually has five arms, but in the vicinity of South Georgia, a six-armed form is common.

[3] Diplasterias brucei is one of the more conspicuous animals in the zone deeper than 33 m (110 ft) which is the lower limit for anchor ice formation.

This matrix is a biodiverse environment rich in sea anemones, polychaete worms, hydroids, bryozoans and molluscs.

[5] However, O validus avoids the brooded embryos of D. brucei, which contain secondary metabolites which act as a deterrent.

This is of importance in a species that takes a long time to develop in the cold waters which it inhabits.