On social media, many viewers were stunned after footage showed a bizarre ‘alien creature’ transforming into a completely new beast 3,700 feet underwater.
A bizarre deep-sea creature has left social media users stunned.
Footage shows it changing shape 3,700 feet beneath the ocean’s surface. The transformation has sparked debates about its true identity.
On social media, a footage captured a shocking underwater transformation
A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) recorded the strange sight in the Indian Ocean. The video was filmed near a drill wellhead off Africa’s east coast.
At first, the creature floats calmly through the water. Then, around 40 seconds into the clip, it changes shape completely. Many believe this reaction was triggered by the ROV’s thrusters.
Millions react to the viral video
YouTuber CaptainJRD uploaded the footage in 2013. Since then, it has gained over five million views.
Thousands of comments discuss the bizarre transformation.
In the comment selection, many discribed Bizarre ‘alien creature’ ooked like an ancient symbol before turning into a glowing, pulsing creature. Other also suggested that this creature looked like a disco ball?”
One person said: This is what I always thought would take me if I dipped my foot in the sea.
A second wrote: There’s a whole world down there that needs to be left right where it is. Just there. Don’t want to mess around and find Godzilla
While a third commented: OMG, I’m scare!
Another added: Leave it alone or next year someone will be eating it and cause a new virus,.
Someone else said: Maybe a type of squid? Broke my heart to watch it get killed though.
Well if I was an alien I’d prob put my probe somewhere thats 80% unseen by humans too. Another user added.
Experts suggest the creature is a rare comb jelly
Some viewers guessed it was an inking cephalopod. However, experts believe it is a rare deep-sea comb jelly.
One commenter noted its unique pigmentation. “It looks like a large comb jelly with black pigment for deep-sea camouflage.”
What makes comb jellies unique?
According to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, comb jellies are oval-shaped creatures.
They have eight rows of tiny comb-like plates for movement. These plates refract light, creating a shimmering rainbow effect.
Unlike other jellies, they are aggressive predators. Some can expand their stomachs to swallow prey nearly half their size.
Different species of comb jellies have evolved unique traits
One type, the “sea gooseberry,” dangles tentacles to catch smaller creatures. Others, called lobates, glide through the water like crop dusters.
Some even have serrated cilia that act as teeth. These comb jellies can rip chunks off other jellies they capture.
Marine biologist Steve Haddock compares them to spiders. “Like spiders, they use different strategies to catch prey,” he explained.
This deep-sea encounter has fascinated scientists and the public alike. The ocean still holds countless mysteries. Who knows what other strange creatures await discovery?