Already one of the most mysterious locations on earth, Antarctica has this week revealed another of its many secrets.

An underwater mountain has been discovered in which biologists say is teeming with aquatic life.

According to researchers working in the area, the 2,500ft peak is covered in tens of millions of starfish - some of which may be found to be new species.

Dr Ashley Rowden, an ecologist helping with the discovery, said: "Not only is it amazing to see a vast array of one type of organism but the implications for our understanding of the relative uniqueness of seamount assemblages are potentially far-reaching."

The mountain, which is taller than the world's highest building, is situated on the 12.5 million-year-old Macquarie Ridge – running 1,400 km south from New Zealand to the Antarctic Circle.

Despite its freezing climate, Antarctica still plays host to a diverse range of creatures which travellers can watch in their natural habitat on an Antarctic cruise.

Some of the most popular animals with adventurous holidaymakers heading to the remote snowy continent are penguins, whales and seals.

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