A bizarre marine worm found in the icy waters near Antarctica has recently gone viral due to its unsettling appearance. The creature, known as Eulagisca gigantea, has an oval body covered in shimmering golden bristles and a mouth full of sharp teeth, making it look like a mix between a holiday ornament and a horror movie villain.

Eulagisca gigantea is a member of the polychaete family, also called bristle worms, which are known for their spiky exteriors. Though it’s gotten attention on social media, this strange worm has been a resident of the Southern Ocean near Antarctica for quite some time.

This predator is about 8 inches long and has a unique retractable pharynx that extends outward when feeding. When extended, the pharynx reveals sharp teeth, allowing the worm to scavenge or prey on smaller marine life. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History notes that this extension can reach up to 2 inches in length.

The worm’s golden bristles could serve multiple purposes, including helping it swim, defend itself, or crawl along the ocean floor. Despite the attention it’s received, much about the biology and behavior of Eulagisca gigantea remains a mystery, as it hasn’t been studied extensively since its discovery in 1939.

Polychaete worms, the family to which this creature belongs, are incredibly diverse, with over 8,000 species known. They are found in a range of environments, from shallow coral reefs to extreme hydrothermal vents. A 2016 study suggested there could be even more undiscovered species in the deep sea.

The worm’s recent fame came from a Facebook post that showed a specimen recovered from depths of 1,706 to 2,198 feet in the Antarctic Ocean. The image, showcasing its extended jaws and golden bristles, sparked a mix of fascination and horror, offering a glimpse into the mysterious life forms thriving in the deep sea.

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