This footage was filmed and produced 18 February 2024.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa have unveiled the long-hidden mysteries of giant sea spider reproduction in Antarctica. After more than 140 years of speculation, the team's recent expedition to the remote continent shed light on the behaviors of these enigmatic creatures, with potential implications for marine life and ecosystems worldwide.

Sea spiders, scientifically known as pycnogonids, are spider-like invertebrates found in aquatic environments globally. While most species are diminutive, Antarctic sea spider varieties boast leg spans exceeding a foot, showcasing what scientists term as "polar gigantism." Despite historical research going back over a century, the reproductive habits of these Antarctic giants remained elusive until now.

Lead researcher and UH Manoa School of Life Sciences Professor Amy Moran described the team's remarkable fieldwork in Antarctica, where they observed two mating groups of sea spiders depositing thousands of eggs. Unlike typical sea spider species, one parent, likely the father, protected the eggs for several months until they hatched into tiny larvae. This never-before-seen behavior unveiled new insights into the creatures' life cycle.

Published in Ecology in February 2024, the researchers' findings represent a significant breakthrough in understanding Antarctic marine ecosystems. PhD students Aaron Toh and Graham Lobert, part of Moran's team, emphasized the unique opportunity to study these creatures firsthand, highlighting the importance of their discovery.

Renowned Antarctic biologist Lloyd Peck, from the British Antarctic Survey, commended the study's significance in advancing knowledge of polar marine life. With the ecological and reproductive biology of Antarctic species largely unexplored, the research offers crucial insights into the functioning of these enigmatic Antarctic animals.

The team's remarkable journey and discovery were captured in a video, showcasing their up-close encounters with Antarctic sea spiders and the challenging fieldwork conducted under the continent's icy waters.