A bizarre marine worm found in the icy waters near Antarctica is grabbing attention online—and it’s not hard to see why. With an oval-shaped body covered in shimmering golden bristles and a gaping, tooth-lined maw, this creature looks like a holiday ornament straight out of a horror movie.

Known as Eulagisca gigantea, the worm is part of the polychaete family, often called bristle worms due to their signature spiky exteriors. While it may have recently gone viral thanks to striking photos shared on social media, this unusual worm is a long-time resident of the Southern Ocean near Antarctica.

While its alien-like appearance may seem unsettling, creatures like Eulagisca gigantea are crucial for understanding deep-sea biodiversity. As researchers continue to explore the ocean’s depths, such discoveries remind us of the strange and remarkable life forms thriving far beneath the waves.

Sources: Live Science