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Antarctic Ocean Teems with Unique Life,Including ‘Sea Pigs’
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canberra — April 20,2025 —
during a recent expedition,Australian researchers aboard the RSV Nuyina unearthed remarkable discoveries in the Antarctic ocean. The team found a diverse array of unique marine life, including creatures potentially new to science and the captivating “sea pig”
Antarctic Ocean Teems with Unique Life, Including ‘Sea Pigs’
Australian researchers aboard the RSV Nuyina have made remarkable discoveries in the depths of the Antarctic Ocean, revealing a diverse ecosystem that includes creatures potentially new to science. The 60-day expedition, primarily focused on the impact of warming waters on the Denman Glacier, also yielded a engaging array of marine life.
A Treasure Trove of Biodiversity
While studying the effects of warm water on the Denman Glacier, the research team also collected and analyzed the unique biodiversity of the Antarctic Ocean. The findings include:
- Sea spiders as big as hands
- Sea stars the size of dining plates
- Endemic octopus species
- Marine pigs (a type of sea cucumber)
- small crustaceans known as isopoda
Professor Jan strunell, from James Cook university, highlighted the importance of these finds, noting the presence of species unique to the region.
The Enigmatic Sea Pig and Other Discoveries
Among the most intriguing discoveries are the marine pigs, a type of sea cucumber. These creatures, along with other specimens, have sparked excitement among researchers.
(We have collected) a very large marine biodiversity, and the possibility of some new species for science,
Professor Strunell, Securing’s Interctica’s Environmental Future research program, ABC News
The RSV Nuyina is equipped with specialized “wet wells” designed to capture delicate marine life without causing harm. This allowed researchers to observe and study these creatures in a controlled environment.
A Glimpse into the Life of a Sea Butterfly
One remarkable event occurred when a sea butterfly, a type of sea snail, laid eggs in one of the ship’s aquariums. This provided researchers with a rare chance to document the development of pteropoda eggs for the first time.
dra Laura Herraiz Borreguero, from CSIRO and australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP), expressed the team’s enthusiasm:
The team is very happy to have that little creature and watch it and take care of him, so he can tell all the secrets that have been hidden,
Dra Laura Herraiz Borreguero, CSIRO and Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP)
