From Dexerto · Callum Doyle · · 50s
Scientists find 57 new species in deep-sea canyon
Deep-sea expedition off Argentina discovers 57 new species, including a sea cucumber named after Norse god Loki.
In brief
Deep-sea expedition off Argentina discovers 57 new species, including a sea cucumber named after Norse god Loki. Scientists identified 57 new marine species during a 2026 expedition in Argentina's Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon, where a viral sea star resembling SpongeBob's Patrick Star was spotted. Originally…
Scientists identify 57 new species
Scientists discovered 57 new marine species during a 2026 expedition off Argentina's Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon.
Viral Patrick Star spotted
A bright orange sea star resembling SpongeBob's Patrick Star became an internet sensation during a 2025 livestream of the canyon with 4 million viewers.
Follow-up expedition planned
The team plans a follow-up expedition in early 2027 to explore the canyon further, which is nearly twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.
In short
Scientists identified 57 new marine species during a 2026 expedition in Argentina's Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon, where a viral sea star resembling SpongeBob's Patrick Star was spotted.
