Beachgoers in Southern California were confused and horrified last weekend when a creepy, pale, snake-like creature with sharp, jagged teeth washed ashore. Photos of the creature have since surfaced online, capturing the internet's collective imagination before it was ultimately identified.
“Dead sea animal washed ashore near Dana Point, California. What is this thing?” Earlier this week, one Reddit user added: “This is giving me nightmares.” The carcass carried by boat was partially wrapped in seaweed, its mouth frozen in a scary-looking grin.
The dead marine animal washed ashore near Dana Point, California. What is this thing?
by u/ZJM on Animalid
But as many users note, the animal is actually a fairly common moray eel. “If the moon hits your eyes like a big pizza pie, it's a moray eel,” one user said. California Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesman Tim Daly confirmed the same. SFGATEhe noted that the creature “looks a little faded from being dead.”
There are approximately 200 known species of moray eel, which can reach up to 9 feet in length. The explanation behind their scary-looking teeth is that moray eels have a double set of jaws that help them catch and grasp prey.
A National Science Foundation study published in 2007 found that the eel's jaws are equipped with “sharp, piercing teeth” that curve back toward its throat and prevent dinner from escaping from its mouth. The publication compared the rows of teeth to spike strips in parking lots that prevent cars from backing up entrance ramps.
Once prey is detected, the second set of jaws, known as “pharyngeal jaws” located at the back of the eel's skull, expand to pull the prey into the animal's esophagus.
However, despite their intimidating appearance, moray eels are not typically aggressive towards humans, although they will sometimes bite when threatened or provoked. Either way, it's better to keep your distance.