A mysterious sea creature recently washed ashore on a Southern California beach, startling beachgoers with its eerie appearance. The discovery, made near Dana Point, quickly spread online after images were posted to Reddit where the unsettling visuals were even flagged as not safe for work due to the creature’s disturbing, bloated form.

Experts soon weighed in to clarify the mystery. Tim Daly, a spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, agreed with many online commenters who identified the animal as a moray eel. He explained that the pale and bloated look was likely due to decomposition, which can cause marine animals to lose their natural color and appear more frightening than they did in life. Moray eels are common along the Southern California coastline, usually inhabiting shallow reefs.

Although moray eels are not poisonous and are not typically aggressive, they will defend themselves if provoked. Their two rows of sharp teeth allow them to bite firmly when threatened, which is why experts advise caution when encountering any wildlife in the ocean.

While the discovery stirred both fascination and unease among online users some even turning the moment into humorous song references it served as a reminder of the remarkable and sometimes unsettling creatures that inhabit the ocean. Encountering such a creature in person may be startling, but it also highlights the mysterious beauty and diversity of marine life.