No, this sea creature isn’t from a sci-fi film, it’s just a rare sighting

Image captured by Barry Yates/Sussex Wildlife Trust
Image captured by Barry Yates/Sussex Wildlife Trust

A bizarre sea creature was spotted slowly crawling along the sand after a high tide at the Rye Harbor Nature Reserve in the U.K.

“While some might think it looks like something out of a sci-fi film, the marine creature was identified as a sea mouse, a type of worm which can usually be found on the seabed,” The Argus reported.

The rarely seen sea creature was captured in video on the Sussex Beach by Barry Yates of the Sussex Wildlife Trust and posted on The Argus Facebook page.

This mysterious looking creature may look like something out of a sci-fi film, but it is actually a Sea Mouse - a type of marine worm!This one was spotted in Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and the video is actually sped up three times as these creatures are actually quite slow.They are rarely seen but, just like here, they sometimes get washed up to the high tide mark. Conservationists captured this fantastic sight before returning it back to the seabed. How fascinating!📽 Barry Yates / Sussex Wildlife Trust

Posted by The Argus on Tuesday, November 19, 2024

It should be noted that the video has been sped up to three times its actual speed, “as these creatures are actually quite slow,” The Argus stated on Facebook.

“[These sea creatures are] about 15cm long and rarely seen, but in winter, storms can wash them up on the high tide line,” Sarah Watson of the Rye Harbor Nature Reserve told The Argus. “This one was found at Rye Harbor Nature Reserve and put back in the sea. Look closely among its duller bristles to see a shimmering, iridescent fringe.”

Sea mice range from 3 to 6 inches long and feed on small crabs and other worms on the seabed.

Photo: Barry Yates/Sussex Wildlife Trust

This article originally appeared on For The Win: No, this sea creature isn’t from a sci-fi film, it’s just a rare sighting