Antarctica: Scientists Discover Seven New Species Of Strawberry Feather Star

Researchers have identified seven new species within the Promachocrinus genus in Antarctica. Among them, Promachocrinus fragarius, dubbed the 'Antarctic strawberry feather star,' stands out due to its vibrant red coloration. This marine creature features 20 arms with colors ranging from purplish to dark red. The study highlights the importance of understanding marine biodiversity in Antarctic waters. Promachocrinus fragarius inhabits depths between 65 and 1,100 meters. This discovery underscores the need for extensive sampling to comprehend the Antarctic ecosystem's biodiversity. Besides Promachocrinus fragarius, researchers identified six other species. Most new species were found near Antarctica. These findings offer valuable insights into the evolution and adaptation of marine organisms in extreme environments.