Technological advances have made it possible for scientists to view the basket starr in situ via remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).

[4] Basket stars move along the bottom of the ocean, and G. arcticus commonly lives in areas of moderate to strong current flow.

[4] G. arcticus have been observed living on the exterior of Boltenia ovifera, a species of tunicates found in a similar range of the Arctic to Cape Cod.

[7] They can react to water-borne chemicals, changing lighting, currents and vibrations or physical contact.

The mouth on the lower surface of the disc is framed by five jaws bearing spinelink teeth and papillae.

[7] Gorgonocephalus arcticus move by strong arm strokes that lift the disk and thrust them forward.

[3] Gorgonocephalus arcticus is a suspension feeder and feeds by extending its arms vertically into the water column in search of food.

[4] The upper extensions of the arms are more flexible than the lower parts of the extremities so they are more effective at ensnaring prey.

[4] Tube feet along with girdle hooks and spines are used to move the captured particles towards the oral surface.

[4] The girdle hooks are made of calcite and in reality are curved ossicles attached by ligaments to a boss suggesting that they are spines adapted to restrain prey items.

[4] The entire length of the arm is covered in lateral spines that increase in size and number from the tip towards the base.