Giant <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/group/starfish/?beta=true" target="_blank">sea stars</a> or starfish that measure 24 inches (60 centimeters) across are held by Sadie Mills, left, and Niki Davey of <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destinations/oceania/new-zealand/?beta=true" target="_blank">New Zealand</a>'s National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research on February 15, 2008.<br> <br> They and other researchers collected 30,000 sea creatures—many new to science—during a 35-day census in Antarctic waters in February and March, according to a March 26 announcement.<br> <br> The large-scale survey was part of the International Polar Year and Census of Antarctic Marine Life programs, which study the diversity of Antarctic marine life.<br>
Giant sea stars or starfish that measure 24 inches (60 centimeters) across are held by Sadie Mills, left, and Niki Davey of New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research on February 15, 2008.

They and other researchers collected 30,000 sea creatures—many new to science—during a 35-day census in Antarctic waters in February and March, according to a March 26 announcement.

The large-scale survey was part of the International Polar Year and Census of Antarctic Marine Life programs, which study the diversity of Antarctic marine life.
John Mitchell/NZ IPY-CAML

Giant, Unknown Animals Found off Antarctica

Researchers collect 30,000 sea creatures—many new to science—during a 35-day census in Antarctic waters.

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