Deep in the Antarctic ocean lives a worm so strange, it could pass for a movie monster. Eulagisca gigantea is its name, and with its golden bristles and toothy, extendable mouth, it’s no wonder the internet can’t stop talking about it.
This worm grows up to 8 inches long—about the length of a banana—but its most horrifying feature is its retractable throat. When it’s hungry, it pushes this throat outward, revealing sharp teeth ready to grab prey. Unlike some worms that simply feed on debris, this one is an active hunter.
The shimmering golden bristles covering its body aren’t just for decoration. They likely help it move, burrow, or even defend itself. Despite its striking appearance, scientists know very little about Eulagisca gigantea. It was discovered in 1939, but research has been scarce.
This worm belongs to the polychaete family, a group with thousands of species found in oceans worldwide. Experts believe we’ve only discovered about half of them, meaning there could be even more bizarre worms lurking in the deep.
A recent photo of Eulagisca gigantea went viral, shocking people with its alien-like look. But while it may seem terrifying, it plays an important role in marine ecosystems. As deep-sea exploration continues, we might uncover even more creatures that prove nature is stranger than fiction.
