A dog walker in Broome, Western Australia came across an unusual sea creature while walking along the beach during low tide.
The purple creature was initially thought to be a bunch of eels, but was identified as a rare and highly venomous sea anemone called Dofleinia armata or the armed anemone.
Armed anemones can reach 8 inches wide and their tentacles nearly 20 inches long. They curl into balls hiding their mouths.
They are one of the largest and most dangerous anemones in Australia, with contact causing extremely painful wounds that can take months to heal.
Sightings are uncommon, with only one reported by a museum curator during surveys.
Photos show the anemone’s knot-like body and mass of purple tentacles.
The dog walker was surprised by the unusual find and its rarity and danger were highlighted by experts.
It’s an example of unexpected creatures that can be discovered during low tides on Australian beaches.
Source: miamiherald
