Despite its odd look, Eulagisca gigantea has lived in the Southern Ocean for years, only recently gaining attention due to social media. This 8-inch long worm features a retractable throat that extends with sharp teeth to scavenge or hunt smaller creatures. Its golden bristles may assist with swimming, crawling, or serve as a defense mechanism.
Polychaete worms, like Eulagisca gigantea, are diverse and essential to ocean ecosystems. As scientists explore the depths, they uncover new and fascinating species, reminding us how strange and wonderful life on Earth can be.
