A creature with 20 “arms”: scientists have identified a new species of sea lilies. PHOTO

Scientists exploring the ocean near Antarctica discovered a new species of animal.

They called it the strawberry Antarctic sea lily, despite the terrifying 20 limbs, writes Business Insider with reference to an article in the scientific journal Invertebrate Systematics.

The official name of this invertebrate is Promachocrinus fragarius. It belongs to the class Crinoidea, which includes starfish, sea urchins, sand dollars, and sea cucumbers, and is a type of sea lily.

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Scientists found it at a depth of 65 to 1170 meters.

Photo courtesy of Greg W. Rouse

In appearance, this creature looks more like an alien because of the appendages, which can reach 20 cm in length.

Scientists note that round bumps can still be seen on the body of the marine animal. They are where cirri should be – smaller, tentacle-like filaments that stick out from the base.

Close up of Ciri

It is interesting that this creature’s “hands” are spread upwards, and its claws are directed downwards. In addition, they have tiny claws on the end that they use to hold onto the seabed.

Thanks to this discovery, the researchers were able to add 8 species to the category of Antarctic sea lilies, some of which were discovered earlier, but not considered a separate species.

Strawberry Antarctic sea lily

On average, scientists from the Institute of Oceanography identify 10 to 15 species per year.

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Read also: Climatologists recorded the lowest level of ice around Antarctica in 45 years