Terrifying creature that 'looks like it's from film Teeth' spotted in UK river
It's everyone's worst nightmare to be paddling in the river or sea and feel a slimy creature sidle up next to you. At least for most of us it is.
For Craig Evans, though, it's the b****y jackpot. And his number came up big time when he spotted a prehistoric fish about in the waters of Wales.
The coastal forager was out in the South West of the country when he came across something you might expect to see in a horror film.
Strike that, it's exactly like that film Teeth. IYKNYK. If you don't know what I'm talking about, Google it, I'm not going into it here.
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In a post to his Instagram account, Craig shared a snap of the snapper, with its mouth gaping wide, displaying rows and rows of razor sharp gnashers.
Sharing the pic, the outdoorsman wrote: "I found this dead 'Sea Lamprey' while fishing for sea trout in a West Wales river.
"These wonders of nature spawn in freshwater, feed on tiny algae and microorganisms until they migrate to sea to prey on larger fish.
Going into more detail about its feeding habits, Craig went on: "It's fearsome mouth attaches itself to the side of the fish and sucks it blood etc. This one was around 2ft in length and weighed around a Kilo.
"I was fortunate enough to stand over a number of these spawning in fast flowing water about a foot deep. After spawning in June they all die.
"I've seen many of these over the years and the only mammal that eats them are otters and then only last few inches of its tail.
Adding: "These ancient species of jawless fish are a sign of a healthy ecosystem."
The bizarre looking creatures are thought to date back around 340 million years, so they're made of stern stuff.
When asked if they could attach themselves to humans, Craig told one follower that it could happen but he 'had never heard of it', which is, err, promising.
But despite the benign nature of the Lamprey, that did nothing to ease the fears of many who came across Craig's post.
One user said: "That is the stuff of nightmares for me!"
Another agreed: "The stuff of nightmares."
"Wowzers!!!" screeched a third. "That is a beast! I didn’t know these existed here! Incredible!"
While someone else added: "What in the devilish nightmare of hell is this!?! Arrrrghhh"
And a final said: "Reminds me of the film... Teeth."
"Sweet dreams, lads.
Dominic Smithers