Possessing a unique shape, colorful colors and formidable hunting techniques, these creatures are gradually disappearing and becoming genuine “zombies”.

In fact, “zombie sea star” is a nickname derived from an epidemic of sunflower sea stars – creatures that possess colorful “wings” and formidable hunting skills. This is the largest starfish species in the world with up to 16-24 star wings, with a maximum length of each arm of 1 meter.

This creature is common in the Northeast Pacific Ocean and the area from Alaska to Southern California. Other than its beautiful and outstanding appearance, the sunflower starfish is a professional killer whose main food is: oysters, sea urchins, snails, fish, sea cucumbers, and other small invertebrates.. .

With a “divine” movement speed of 3 meters per minute and long, flexible wingspans, the sunflower starfish always makes the opponent wary, because with just a split second, the unfortunate animal will become a dish. their deliciousness.

The only concern of this creature is the king crab. When confrontations take place, the sunflower starfish always “loses physical strength” , and they even lose 1 to 3 wings.

The special thing about this animal is that, after becoming the loser, they will release a fluid to alert nearby members of the same species that the enemy is lurking.

It is known that the number of sunflower sea stars in the Pacific Ocean is at risk of extinction due to a virus called “Sea Star Associated Densovirus” (SsaDV) . This terrifying virus has wiped out millions of creatures since it first appeared in 2013.

When a starfish is infected with a virus, white spots with pus will appear on its body. Afterwards, the animal will slowly deplete, “lose its arms” and become an intact corpse.

According to research, the number of sunflower sea stars in Washington state has decreased by 99.2% and a few other states have completely disappeared. That is the reason why the beautiful sunflower starfish is nicknamed “zombie sea star”.

This loss has seriously affected the ocean’s ecosystem. Because they are the main factor controlling the rapidly increasing number of kelp, sea urchins, etc., causing “choking” of the coast. According to scientists, if the disease cannot be prevented from spreading, the ocean will gradually become a true “graveyard” when dead marine animals are scattered everywhere.

The appearance of “Zombie sea stars” under the ocean warns of an unpredictable danger