Fisherman drags mystery beast with brutal sting from sea off Texas and says she’s never seen anything like it before

TERRIFYING footage shows the moment a stunned angler confronts a freaky sea creature whose sting can cause hours of agonising pain.

Alyssa Ramirez landed the bizarre beast while fishing with her mother at Port Isabel, Texas – but initially thought she had pulled up a piece of seaweed when she reeled in her catch.

Credit: Pen News/Alyssa Ramirez

The creature, which was initially mistaken for a piece of seaweed, was revealed by experts to be a bearded fireworm[/caption]

Credit: Pen News/Alyssa Ramirez

Fisherman Alyssa Ramirez caught the beast in Port Isabel, Texas, after mistakenly thinking she had caught seaweed on her line[/caption]

But to her horror, she then she saw the beast squirming.

Alyssa commented: “When I didn’t feel any bites I assumed the fish had taken my bait – squid – and I reeled in my line to re-bait the hook.

“At first glance I thought I snagged some seaweed. Then I laughed because that was definitely not a fish, nor seaweed. It was like an oversized earthworm ready for combat.”

After pulling up her line, Ms Ramirez filmed the creature squirming on the pier decking.

The creature’s dangerous bristles can be seen fanning in and out as its red and white body writhes on the floor.

“It had the movement of a worm but with prickly spikes with red tips,” she added.

“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.”

Experts identified her enigmatic catch as a bearded fireworm – and Ms Ramirez should count herself lucky that she didn’t touch it.

It carries a powerful neurotoxin, delivered through bristles that are capable of penetrating human skin.

The resulting wound is said to feel like it is 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.

The angler continued: “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!”

Credit: Pen News/Alyssa Ramirez

A bearded fireworm’s sting can cause hours of agonising pain, inducing dizziness and nausea by touching its sharp needle-like bristles[/caption]