If you think deep-sea creatures can’t get any weirder, think again. Eulagisca gigantea, a worm found in Antarctica’s icy waters, looks like it came from another planet. With golden, metallic bristles and a mouth full of teeth, it’s no surprise this creature has gone viral.
Measuring about 8 inches long—the size of a banana—this worm has a retractable throat that doubles as its head. When feeding, it extends this throat forward, revealing sharp teeth perfect for catching prey. It’s not just a scavenger; it’s a fierce hunter.
Scientists believe its golden bristles help it move or protect itself, but much about this worm remains a mystery. Discovered in 1939, it has rarely been studied since.
Eulagisca gigantea is part of the polychaete family, which includes thousands of marine worm species. Researchers estimate that we’ve only found about half of them, meaning the ocean could be hiding even more bizarre life forms.
When a photo of this worm recently surfaced online, people were both fascinated and horrified. But while it looks like something from a nightmare, it’s a real and important part of ocean life. As we explore deeper into the sea, who knows what other strange creatures we’ll discover?
