Bizarre Antarctic Sea Life Found

New species discovered just as they're threatened by global warming

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 20, 2008 10:51 AM CST

(Newser) – A host of bizarre giant creatures lurk in the little-known waters of Antarctica, the Daily Telegraph reports. Thousands of specimens have been gathered by a mission to study Antarctic marine life before it is wiped out—including giant sea spiders the size of dinner plates, huge sea worms, and mammoth jellyfish. "I was staggered by the size of things," said an expedition leader.

Scientists expect to find many previously unknown species, as freezing temps mean Antarctic sea life has evolved in isolation for millions of years. The soft-bodied, slow-moving invertebrates of the Antarctic sea bed resemble life in ancient oceans before shell-crushing predators evolved. But these unique creatures could now be threatened as the oceans warm, and crabs and sharks move in.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

In this photo released by the Australian Antarctic Division, brightly colored coralline bryozoans and sponges which forms the habitat for many species of marine life are seen in Antarctic waters in January... (Associated Press)

In this photo released by the Australian Antarctic Division, tunicates, an animal that is stalk like in structure and looks like glass tulips are seen in Antarctic waters in January 2008. (AP Photo/Australian... (Associated Press)

In this photo released by the Australian Antarctic Division, the Antarctic sea-bed covered with a mixture of sponges, bryozoans, hydroids and octocorals which form a home to many species of fish and other... (Associated Press)

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Bizarre Antarctic Sea Life Found