Beach goers in the state of Washington were taken aback when they saw a weird crimson blob on the sand. The unexplained blob looked to be a giant jelly-like object around seven feet wide with an odd, unearthly appearance.
A seven-armed octopus, an uncommon species that has seldom been seen previously, was discovered within the blob upon closer study. The octopus was presumably caught inside the goo and unable to escape.
The finding soon made news throughout the world, with many people wondering what might have caused such an unusual occurrence. Some speculated that the red glob was a form of jellyfish or an entirely new species, while others wondered if it was the consequence of pollution or another environmental problem.
Despite the initial excitement and uncertainty, experts were able to identify the blob as a “salp,” a species of marine organism. Salps are gelatinous organisms with a more complicated body structure than jellyfish.
The seven-armed octopus discovered within the salp was also an unusual find, as this species is rarely seen in the wild. According to marine researchers, the critter became caught inside after attempting to feed on the salp.
While the appearance of the red blob on the Washington beach may have seemed strange and unsettling, it is a reminder of the incredible diversity and complexity of marine life. With so many unique and fascinating species living in our oceans, there is always something new and exciting to discover.
