Mysterious Penis-Shaped Sea Creature Baffles Free Diver

A free diver, who was out on a marine trip, in Australia was shocked to spot a penis-shaped sea creature on the seabed.

Josie Jones, 48, was with her underwater camera when she encountered the creature that bears an uncanny resemblance to the male genitalia on the seabed off Rye Front Beach, Victoria.

Social media users were amused to see the images of the marine worm that Jones shared on Facebook.

"I wonder if anyone has ever called one of these in as a found body part?" one person joked. "Even nature gets the urge," another said.

A third posted: "Sea cucumbers, apparently some people eat them...."

Biologists quickly pointed out the creature was a priapulida — a type of unsegmented worm that resides at the bottom of the ocean, Earth Life reported. Its name is derived from Priapus, the ancient Greek god of fertility.

Jones spoke to local media about her underwater adventures, saying: "It’s so funny little creatures like the sea cucumber have a better life... I have cleaned this beach for 10 years and so I’ve seen the difference cleaning has made to the water."

"I dive to take photos and document the increase of seagrasses and sea beds. I clean the beaches to improve water quality."

She added: "I run a litter campaign called @theonlybutt we have a social campaign and I advocate for positive behavior to protect our marine environment. I’ve received many awards for my volunteer work, collecting over 5.6 tonnes of litter, so I love my underwater encounters, and it’s odd-looking guys like these that I keep the beach clean for.”

In 2019, social media users were baffled when thousands of thick, pink, penis-shaped creatures washed up on a beach in California. Experts said at the time they were Urechis caupo, or fat innkeeper worms, also commonly referred to as “penis fish” for their appearance.

In the past, there have been several instances when bizarre looking sea creatures have either washed up on the shores or have been spotted underwater.