A bizarre and unsettling sea creature recently washed up on a Southern California beach, drawing both shock and morbid curiosity. The creature’s grotesque appearance led to immediate buzz online, especially when images of it were posted on Reddit and quickly marked as “not safe for work.” The original poster shared that they stumbled upon the dead marine animal near Dana Point, California, providing a specific location along with clear photographs that helped identify the eerie find.

Tim Daly, a spokesperson from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, was contacted by SFGATE to verify the animal’s identity. According to Daly, the peculiar creature is likely a moray eel. However, he noted that this particular one appeared “bleached out,” which is a common effect of decomposition.

Moray eels are no strangers to the coastal waters of Southern California. They typically inhabit reefs in shallow waters, where they hide in crevices and ambush prey. While they are not poisonous or considered overly aggressive, moray eels can be dangerous if provoked. When threatened, they can deliver a nasty bite, using their two rows of sharp, needle-like teeth to latch onto their target.

Despite its unsettling appearance, the washed-up eel became the subject of humor among Redditors. Many users chimed in with witty comments, riffing on a classic song. One popular comment read, “That’s a moray. Go back tonight to confirm. If the moon hits its eyes like a big pizza pie, that’s a Moray.” Others joined in with similar wordplay: “When the jaws open wide, and there’s more jaws inside, that’s a Moray.”

While the moray eel itself isn’t particularly threatening unless disturbed, its ominous look and sudden beach appearance made many readers shiver. Encountering such a creature in its natural habitat might not be anyone’s idea of a good time.