Horrifying 10-foot ‘sand striker’ chops up victims with retractable razor-jaws – and uses ‘toxic lunge’ from hidden lair
A CREEPY worm that lurks in tropical water keeps out of its lair and chops up its prey with razor-sharp teeth.
Bobbit worms, also known as sand strikers, are one of the lesser-known horrors of the world of sea creatures.
The bizarre animal was recently highlighted in an article by Live Science.
It mentioned how sand strikers can grow up to 10 feet in length.
Their jaws open up like something from a horror film.
Fans of the Alien movie franchise or even Stranger Things may think the terrifying mouth of the worm looks familiar.
Oceangoers will be pleased to know that the worm doesn’t prey on humans.
Instead, it targets fish and invertebrates, including other worms.
Their bite is venomous and strong so they can cut a fish in half.
Technically the bite would hurt a human if the worm attacked.
It’s unlikely this would happen though as there are no recorded cases.
The worms are known to bury themselves in the sea floor.
They then shoot up and strike when they sense prey is above them.
Bobbit worms have very limited vision and use small antennae to sense light and chemicals.
This helps them make sense of what’s happening around them.
Once the worm strikes, it returns back to its lair with its meal.