See the Alien-Like Creature With 20-Arms Scientists Just Discovered in the Ocean

It’s not every day that you get to watch as scientists unravel the secrets of a brand new species lurking in the depths of the ocean. However, on August 11, 2023, marine biologists revealed that they discovered several new species in the icy waters surrounding Antarctica — and one of these species has 20 arms! This new species is known as the Antarctic strawberry feather star.

As of now, researchers haven’t been able to uncover much information about this strange species. However, they have 20 arms, and their central body appears to look roughly like a strawberry, hence their name. An invertebrate, the Antarctic strawberry feather star is loosely related to many other, more familiar species, such as starfish and sea cucumbers.

The scientific name for this unique animal is Promachocrinus fragarius. They can live up to 3,840 feet underwater. The expedition and studies which identified these interesting creatures occurred between 2008 and 2017.

What Does the Antarctic Strawberry Feather Star Look Like?

According to the studies published on this species, the Antarctic strawberry feather star is a rather large species. An exact measurement or range of average sizes of this species was not provided in the research. Their central body is shaped like a strawberry, with a rounded triangle shape. What gives this invertebrate its alien-like appearance, however, is its 20 different arms. Each of the main arms is long, ending in a feathered texture that has earned this star its name. Several smaller arms extending from the sides of the central body have less of a feathered appearance. The Antarctic strawberry feather star can come in a range of colors, from purple hues to deep reds.

What Lives in the Antarctic Ocean?

While it may not seem like much life can survive in the freezing waters surrounding Antarctica’s icescape, this newly discovered species is not alone. While invertebrates like the Antarctic strawberry feather star may rule the depths of this ocean, you can also find a variety of mammals, birds, and fish. Each of these creatures is specially adapted to the cold, allowing them to thrive. Some of the other animals that live in and around the Antarctic Ocean include

• Penguins
• Seals
• Whales
• Krill
• Petrels
• Albatrosses
• Sea spiders
• Squids.

While many of these animals are year-round residents, such as the several different species of penguins native to this area, others are not. Many species of whales found in the Antarctic Ocean migrate and thus are usually seen here only during their feeding seasons.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/jin_tang