‘Big-butt starfish,’ ‘little sweet potato’ and dozens of never-before-seen species recorded during deep-sea expedition off Argentina

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1. **From LIVE SCIENCE:**

   A deep-sea expedition off the coast of Argentina has captured stunning footage of more than 40 never-before-seen species.

   One unexpected star of the show is a plump sea creature that has been dubbed the “big-butt starfish” for its uncanny resemblance to Patrick Star from “SpongeBob SquarePants.”

   During the remotely operated [vehicle (ROV) SuBastian](https://schmidtocean.org/technology/robotic-platforms/4500-m-remotely-operated-vehicle-rov/)’s dives in Argentina’s Mar del Plata submarine canyon, which have been running since July 23, scientists aboard its accompanying research vessel provide a high-definition livestream, with real-time commentary on rarely seen deep-sea life. The dives have revealed carnivorous sponges, translucent fish, vividly colored rays and corals that have never been documented in the South Atlantic, a biodiversity hotspot that remains largely unexplored.

   The sea star, which has become a viral hit on social media, belongs to the genus *Hippasteria*, which is known for its thick central disc and short, stubby arms. During the livestream, viewers interacting via chat affectionately nicknamed it “estrella culona” — Spanish for “big-butt star.”

   Argentine scientists involved with the expedition have offered a few hypotheses for the creature’s attention-grabbing anatomy. The starfish may simply be well fed; they are voracious carnivores. Or, its rounded appearance could be the result of gravity, as it was filmed on a vertical surface with its central disc hanging downward, creating the illusion of [glutes](https://www.livescience.com/glute-muscles).

2. Best evidence yet that we live in a simulation and the admins are just fucking with ut.

3. Anyone else feel like we need to just leave areas like this the heck alone?

4. No this is Patrick!

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