From Digital Camera World · · 1m 10s
Real-life Patrick Star discovered with 57 new marine species
Ocean researchers photograph Patrick Star and 57 new marine species in Argentina's deep sea.
In brief
Ocean researchers photograph Patrick Star and 57 new marine species in Argentina's deep sea. Marine scientists discovered a bright orange sea star resembling SpongeBob's Patrick Star and 57 previously unknown marine species during an August 2025 expedition in Argentina's Mar del Plata Canyon. Originally reported by…
Patrick Star discovered
Marine scientists photographed a bright orange sea star resembling SpongeBob SquarePants' Patrick Star during an August 2025 expedition in Argentina's Mar del Plata Canyon.
“This vivid orange sea star became an internet sensation for its uncanny resemblance to the cartoon character Patrick Star”
Global internet sensation
The live-streamed image reached nearly 4 million viewers, propelling the sea star to global fame.
“propelling the starfish to global fame”
57 new marine species found
Researchers discovered 57 previously unknown marine species during the 20-day expedition in Argentina's Mar del Plata Canyon.
“the scientists... discovered 57 new species previously unkown to science”
Deep-sea exploration
The expedition used a research vessel named Falkor and a remotely operated vehicle called SuBastian to explore the Mar del Plata Canyon.
“the scientists, working from aboard the research vessel Falkor, used a remotely operated vehicle”
Loki sea cucumber
A horned sea cucumber named 'Loki' was photographed at 2,577 meters, resembling the Norse god due to its horned appendages.
“a striking horned sea cucumber photographed and filmed alive at 2,577 meters”
Follow-up expedition planned
Scientists plan a follow-up expedition starting in February 2027 to target a different submarine canyon with high endemism.
“the team led by Lauretta is now planning a follow-up expedition to begin in February 2027”
The takeaway
Marine scientists discovered a bright orange sea star resembling SpongeBob's Patrick Star and 57 previously unknown marine species during an August 2025 expedition in Argentina's Mar del Plata Canyon.
