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A MYSTERY has captivated locals after an unusual sea creature washed ashore on a popular British beach, leaving many speculating about its identity.
The strange discovery occurred in Worthing, West Sussex, on Sunday, November 2, when dog walker Katalina Delaney, 43, stumbled upon the creature while walking her client’s dog.
Locals have been left both fascinated and uneasy by the sightingCredit: Facebook
These eels can grow to an impressive 2.75 meters in length and are known for their elusive natureCredit: Facebook
She mentioned that she was astonished by the sight of what appeared to be a massive creature lying motionless on the sand.
“I had never encountered anything like it before,” she remarked.
Katalina described the animal as a “huge eel,” piquing the interest of beachgoers and wildlife enthusiasts as photos of the find spread on social media.
Experts from the Wildlife Trust were summoned and confirmed that the creature was a conger eel, a long, scaleless fish typically grey-blue in color with a pale golden belly.
These eels can reach an impressive length of 2.75 meters and are recognized for their elusive behavior.
The trust stated that they are nocturnal hunters, often hiding during the day and emerging at night to search for food.
A representative from the trust explained: “The dorsal, tail, and anal fins are fused together, forming a complete fringe around the body.
“During the day, they conceal themselves in holes or crevices on rocky or sandy bottoms, coming out at night to hunt.”
Conger eels are more commonly found in the western part of the UK, although a significant number have been documented living under the West Pier, just down the coast from Worthing.
Locals have expressed both fascination and discomfort regarding the sighting, with many unaware that such large creatures inhabit waters so close to shore.
One resident commented online: “It looks like something out of a movie – I can’t believe that’s from our waters!”
The bizarre find was made in Worthing, West SussexCredit: Alamy
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of creature was found on the beach?
The creature was identified as a conger eel, a long, scaleless fish that typically has a grey-blue color with a pale golden belly.
How large can conger eels grow?
Conger eels can grow to an impressive length of 2.75 meters.
Where are conger eels commonly found?
Conger eels are more commonly found in the western part of the UK, with many living under the West Pier near Worthing.
