A bizarre marine worm, Eulagisca gigantea, has recently gone viral online due to its unique appearance. Found in the icy waters of Antarctica, this creature resembles something from a sci-fi horror movie, with golden bristles and a tooth-lined mouth.

The worm, about 8 inches long, features a retractable throat that extends to reveal sharp teeth when hunting. It uses this extension to scavenge or prey on smaller marine life. Its golden bristles might help with swimming, crawling, or act as a defense.

Though discovered in 1939, Eulagisca gigantea remains understudied. Polychaete worms, like this one, are highly diverse, with over 8,000 species found in various ocean environments.

A 2016 study suggested that we’ve only discovered half of the marine worm species, leaving many strange creatures hidden in the deep. These worms may seem bizarre, but they play vital roles in ocean ecosystems and help researchers study deep-sea life.

Recently, a Facebook post went viral, featuring Eulagisca gigantea, a worm from the Antarctic Ocean. The image showed its metallic golden bristles and frightening jaws, sparking both fascination and horror.

Despite its unsettling look, creatures like Eulagisca gigantea help scientists unravel the mysteries of deep-sea biodiversity. As exploration continues, more bizarre creatures may surface, reminding us that life on Earth can be stranger than fiction.