# 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.
- Title: Real-life Patrick Star discovered with 57 new marine species
- Summary: Ocean researchers photograph Patrick Star and 57 new marine species in Argentina's deep sea. Marine scientists discovered a bright orange sea star resembling…
- Keywords: patrick star, spongebob, mar del plata canyon, schmidt ocean institute, rov subastian, new marine species, deep sea expedition, Real-life, Patrick, Star, discovered, marine
- Source: Digital Camera World — https://digitalcameraworld.com/photography/underwater-photography/real-life-patrick-from-spongebob-photographed-by-ocean-researchers-along-with-57-completely-new-marine-species
- Published: 2026-10-07T16:54:07+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: patrick star, spongebob, mar del plata canyon, schmidt ocean institute, rov subastian, new marine species, deep sea expedition
## 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
## Key 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.