Scientists have discovered starfish with a bum like Patrick Star from SpongeBob SquarePants.
The cheeky creature was filmed 1,200 metres (3,937 ft) below the surface by researchers using a remotely operated underwater vehicle.
One could be heard chuckling: “Yes, I think we’re all thinking the same thing,” as the camera zoomed in on the starfish’s bottom-like groove.
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The remarkable footage was taken on 26 July during an exploration of the Mar del Plata submarine canyon in the South Atlantic Ocean – about 310 km (193 miles) east of the Argentine city of the same name.
Experts from the American Schmidt Ocean Institute were working alongside scientists from various Argentine state institutions.
Biologist Pamela Rivadeneira told local media: “That starfish belongs to the Hippasteria genus.
“It’s likely Hippasteria phrygiana, although we’d need to study the specimen more closely to be sure.
“What caught people’s attention are the folds in the intertidal areas between its arms – that’s what you see in the footage.
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“On the underside, the starfish has a mouth and two internal stomachs.
“It might look a little chubby because it’s recently fed or is full of gametes.
“But we can’t say for certain without a closer look.”
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The Mar del Plata canyon is rich in biodiversity but remains largely unexplored, as reported by What’s The Jam.
Scientists aboard the Falkor research vessel are collecting samples that will be brought back to Argentina for further study.
Biologist Mariela Romanelli told local media: “While starfish do have a complete digestive system – including an anus – it’s not where social media users seem to think it is.
“Still, it’s quite funny, because it really does resemble Patrick Star’s bum from SpongeBob.”
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