Unique Strawberry Feather Star: New Aquatic Species Has 20 Arms Discovered in Antarctica

A new sea species with 20 arms was found in oceans in Antarctica, known as Strawberry Feather Star, belonging to a class of starfish and sea urchins.

Scientists and experts have been trying to discover unknown species in oceans, especially in the deepest waters. According to NOAA Ocean Exploration, about 24.9 percent of the global seafloor was managed to be mapped by experts as of 2023.

The mapping using advanced technology and discovering unknown sea creatures will help scientists conserve their population amidst global warming and climate change threats.

Antarctica strawberry feather stars

A new study published in Invertebrate Systematics discovered an unknown species in Antartica's oceans. The researchers named it the Antarctica strawberry feather stars or the Promachocrinus fragarius.

Researchers explained that DNA assessments of species helped them to uncover new species, with some having weird or cryptic appearances.

While the oceans are full of unique species, the sea creatures have 20 noticeable arms. They named strawberry because it is like the fruit's size or appearance.

The new species is likely related to sea cucumbers and sea urchins. The appearance of Antarctica's strawberry feather stars has feathery parts that assist the new creatures in moving around the oceans.

Mapping the ocean floor requires advanced technology, and it can become costly. The discovery will assist scientists in understanding more of the hidden world of deep ocean waters.

Research in Journal of Experimental Biology recently showed that water salinity changes can affect the population of sea urchins that are vital to coral reef systems.

As climate change causes extreme weather events, the freshwater flowing to the nearshore can impact the sea urchins.

The role of sea urchins is helpful to natural engineers in the ocean ecosystem, especially for coral reefs.

New shark species discovered in Northwestern Australia

Scientists from the Australian National Fish Collection monitored the seabed habitats in the waters of Northwestern Australia. The study was published in the Diversity Journal.

They named the new shark species as Painted Hornshark. The said animal can live in temperature ocean waters, hiding in rocks for possible prey.

Researchers recently found a thriving marine life or ecosystem on the South Wellington and Kapiti Coast.

On the Wellington coast, the area has been rich in biodiversity, discovering new species of fish and hula skirt siphonophores in 2019.

Experts explained that the said marine areas have undiscovered marine species after researchers explored the waters of at least 18 sites.

Researchers highlighted the importance of making the areas protected to avoid possible threats of overfishing.

The protection and conservation of marine animals are crucial to prevent population decline or the brink of extinction.

Aquatic animals are bioindicators that can help scientists to help the health of oceans.

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