Buzz
Despite the vastness of the oceans, approximately 95 percent remain unexplored, leaving countless marine species undocumented. Occasionally, these enigmatic beings find their way to shore, driven by storms, external factors, or sheer misfortune, leaving beachgoers both puzzled and occasionally frightened until experts can identify them.
The fangtooth snake eel, scientifically known as Aplatophis chauliodus, recently made headlines in Texas after Hurricane Harvey. Below are more intriguing examples of mysterious sea creatures that have washed up on beaches.
1. THE MONTAUK MONSTER // 2008
In July 2008, an image resembling the demon from Ghostbusters that haunted Sigourney Weaver went viral online. Dubbed “The Montauk Monster” after its discovery on a New York beach, the peculiar remains baffled onlookers. The creature was never officially examined—it vanished under mysterious circumstances—but zoologists reviewing the photo were confident it was a decaying raccoon, its fur and skin eroded. Later, three men from Shelter Island claimed they found a dead raccoon and gave it a fiery “Viking funeral” on the water. Whether true or not, the “monster” was likely the same critter known for rummaging through garbage.
2. THE INDONESIAN KRAKEN // 2017
Decomposition can drastically change a creature’s appearance, as seen with the 49-foot-long mass found near Seram Island, Indonesia, in May 2017. Initially thought to be a giant squid, experts later identified visible skull, jaw, and spine features in photos, suggesting it was a baleen whale. Typically, such whales sink after death, but bacterial gases may have kept this one afloat.
3. THE DEMON DOLPHIN OF SAKHALIN // 2015
In 2015, a mysterious, decaying creature washed ashore on Russia’s Sakhalin Island. Its long beak initially hinted at a dolphin, but observers noted that dolphins lack fur. The fur-like texture could have been due to decay, but witnesses also reported seeing paw-like features. Experts speculated it might be a bottlenose whale calf. Before a final determination could be made, the body was swept back into the sea.
4. THE MADBALL OF CAPE TOWN // 2014
Chaoonnews, YouTubeResembling a Cenobite trinket, this fearsome little being was reportedly found on a Cape Town, South Africa beach by a tourist. With a body seemingly dominated by a gaping mouth and sharp fangs, the unsettling creature was captured in photos and forwarded to the University of Cape Town’s biological sciences department. Experts concluded it was likely Chorisochismus dentex, or klipsuier, a mussel-eating fish. The dried-out remains had distorted its already alarming appearance.
5. THE NEW ZEALAND SEA MONSTER // 2013
Measuring about 30 feet in length, with sharp teeth and a wide-open mouth, this creature discovered in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty bore a striking resemblance to the Jurassic Park logo. Its severely damaged state sparked theories ranging from an alligator to a moray eel. Marine biologist Anton van Helden stated it was probably a killer whale, citing its unique tail structure, as orcas are commonly spotted in New Zealand waters.
6. A GIANT EYEBALL // 2012
Florida is no stranger to bizarre news, and a softball-sized eyeball washing ashore in 2012 was no exception. Found on Pompano Beach, just north of Fort Lauderdale, the eerie, detached eye was sent to fish and wildlife experts, who identified it as belonging to a swordfish. While isolated body parts rarely wash up, the eye’s clean removal suggested a fisherman had cut it out and discarded it into the water.
7. THE MARINE MONSTER // 2012
In 2012, Folly Beach in South Carolina became the site of a startling find when a bone-plated fish over 10 feet long appeared on the shore. The South Carolina Aquarium identified it as a sturgeon, an ancient fish species with ancestors dating back 350 million years. These massive fish can weigh over 500 pounds, and while their eggs are prized for caviar, this particular specimen was left untouched.
8. THE ROCH NESS MONSTER // 2015
Hollingworth Lake in Littleborough, England, is typically associated with idyllic childhood activities like boating and fishing. However, in 2015, it became the source of unease when a 5-foot-long, sharp-toothed creature was found on its shores. Believed to be a pike, locals were shocked, claiming they never imagined such a large inhabitant lurked in the water. One resident described it as “something prehistoric.”
