Angler’s shock at catching squirming sea beast from the deep
- Alyssa Ramirez came across the odd seabeast while fishing in Port Isabel, Texas
- Bearded fireworms carry a powerful neurotoxin, delivered through their bristles
- In her footage the creature’s dangerous bristles fan in and out as its body writhes
Stomach-churning video shows the moment a mystified angler confronts a freaky sea creature whose sting can cause hours of agonising pain.
Alyssa Ramirez, who landed the bizarre beast while fishing with her mother, initially thought she had pulled up a piece of seaweed when she reeled in her catch.
After pulling up her line, Ms Ramirez filmed the creature squirming on the pier in Port Isabel, in the US state of Texas.
‘When I didn’t feel any bites I assumed the fish had taken my bait – squid – and I reeled in my line to rebait the hook,’ she said.
‘At first glance I thought I snagged some seaweed. Then I laughed because that was definitely not a fish, nor seaweed.
Alyssa Ramirez, who landed the bizarre beast while fishing with her mother, initially thought she had pulled up a piece of seaweed when she reeled in her catch in Port Isabel, in the US state of Texas
After pulling up her line, Ms Ramirez (pictured) filmed the creature squirming on the pier
‘It was like an oversized earthworm ready for combat.’
In her footage, the creature’s dangerous bristles fan in and out as its red and white body writhes.
‘It had the movement of a worm but with prickly spikes with red tips,’ she said.
‘I was extremely curious about it – I’m a marine life enthusiast – so I decided to record it and snap a few pictures, and send them to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.’
They identified her enigmatic catch as a bearded fireworm – and Ms Ramirez should count herself lucky that she didn’t touch it.
In her footage, the creature’s dangerous bristles fan in and out as its red and white body writhes
It carries a powerful neurotoxin, delivered through bristles that are capable of penetrating human skin.
The resulting wound is said to feel like it’s on fire, with the pain lasting for hours, and sometimes causing nausea and dizziness.
It usually only comes into contact with humans when touched by a careless swimmer.
‘That bearded fireworm was not messing around,’ the angler added.
The seabeast carries a powerful neurotoxin, delivered through bristles that are capable of penetrating human skin
‘I’ve never seen anything like this before, the only thing close to it might be a sand eel I’ve caught before – they are much bigger but are not dangerous.’
Ms Ramirez, 30, hopes that by sharing her encounter she will encourage others to take an interest in the natural world.
‘I hope this brings curiosity for those like myself who love and enjoy adventures,’ she said.
‘I would like for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.
‘Spend a little time outside and witness the natural beauty – you just might discover something fascinating!’