A terrifying new type of sea monster with 20 limbs has been discovered, and it has a very strange name to match its equally peculiar appearance. So get ready for some unnerving photos.
The mission’s main objective was to look for “cryptic” marine creatures called Promachocrinus or Antarctic feather stars, depending on your level of imagination.
The animals, which have a “otherworldly appearance” when swimming and are larger than other invertebrates like starfish and sea cucumbers, can survive up to 6,500 feet below the surface of the water.
On the expedition, the group found eight totally unique species on their mission, including four which have never before been named by scientists.
One of which has been named Promachocrinus fragarius, or the Antarctic strawberry feather star.
Sounds weirdly quite pretty considering its appearance is akin to the creature from the Alien movie.
The creatures were named after their ‘strawberry-like’ body from which 20 spindly arms branch off.
Photos of the feather star show that the creature appears to have two different types of arms; the lower ones look slightly thinner and shorter with stripes while the others appear to be longer and feathered.
The team noted that the Antarctic strawberry feather star can also range in its coloring – from ‘purplish’ all the way to ‘dark reddish’.
The findings were published last month (14 July) in the peer-reviewed journal Invertebrate Systematics.
The research team for the discovery included Emily McLaughlin, Nerida Wilson and Greg Rouse who identified the Antarctic strawberry feather star as a new species based on its body shape and DNA analysis.
Understandably, the news has left quite the impression on the world with many rushing to social media to share their reactions to the incredible discovery.
One Facebook user penned: “This is terrifying.”
A second joked: “It looks like the creature from the first Alien movie when it came out of its egg.”
“Yeah I’ve seen that movie, please leave it frozen,” echoed a third.
“Alien’s living under the ice,” claimed a fourth.
A final Facebook user quipped: “Weirdest strawberry I’ve even seen.”
