A bizarre marine worm found in the icy waters near Antarctica attracts attention online—and it’s not hard to see why. This creature looks like a holiday ornament straight out of a horror movie.
Meanwhile it sparks debate thanks to crazy photos shared on social media, this unusual worm is a long-time resident of the Southern Ocean near Antarctica.
A Look at the Strange Predator
Measuring about 8 inches in length, Eulagisca gigantea has a distinctive “head” that is actually a retractable pharynx. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History notes that this throat extension can reach up to 2 inches, allowing the worm to scavenge or prey on other marine creatures.
Deep-Sea Diversity
Polychaete worms are incredibly varied. Living in environments ranging from shallow coral reefs to extreme hydrothermal vents, these worms come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
A 2016 study announced in Royal Society Open Science used DNA analysis to report that the number of undiscovered marine worm species could be double current estimates. These creatures, while strange to human eyes, play vital roles in ocean ecosystems and offer insights into the mysteries of life in the deep sea.
Viral Specimen
A recent Facebook post pointing Eulagisca gigantea showcased a specimen retrieved from a depth of 1,706 to 2,198 feet in the Antarctic Ocean. The image recorded its extruded jaws and the eye-catching golden hue of its bristles, triggering fascination and a mix of horror among viewers.
