A mysterious sea creature has been dubbed an “alien” by baffled residents after washing up on a beach in Sussex.
The creature, which bares a striking resemblance to an eyelash, was found in Rye Harbour.
But, according to experts, it is actually a type of marine worm called a Sea Mouse, as reported by What’s The Jam.
READ MORE: Stunned driver films illuminated ‘UFO hovering motionless’ in night sky
- Advertisement -
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve took to Facebook to share the unusual discovery with followers.
It detailed: “This furry creature is a Sea Mouse, a chunky marine worm!
“About 15cm long and rarely seen, but in winter, storms can wash them up on the high tide line.
“This one was found at Rye Harbour and put back in the sea.
“Look closely among its duller bristles to see a shimmering, iridescent fringe!
- Advertisement -
“It’s been found that the Sea Mouse uses ‘photonic engineering’, a technology we’re only just getting to grips with.
“The bristles are structured to reflect light in a certain way, and it’s believed this colourful display deters predators on the dark seabed.
“The video is sped up three times faster than real life, after the first five seconds, because clever engineering aside, sea mice are rather slow!”
- Advertisement -
Social media users were baffled at the discovery, with some even fearful of the water worm.
Harry joked: “That’s a haggis.”
Alice said: “I thought it was an eyelash.”
Richard quipped: “What the heck? I’d be running and phoning the army to warn of an alien invasion if I saw that on the beach.”
Holly commented: “Trumps hair escaping another term.”
Another user added: “That’s an alien.”
READ MORE: Bizarre moment SLEEPING man is rescued from the top of a lamp post
