A big tree log lined in curious shell creatures is intriguing locals in New Zealand's Bay of Loads, with debate over whether or not they're edible delicacies or alien-like creatures.
Kylie Morman got here throughout the attention-grabbing discovery on her morning stroll on Could 7 and stated it was each superb and gross on the identical time.
"It had worm-like tentacles and dwelling creatures within the shells."
Making the discover much more intriguing was the dimensions – at upwards of 5 metres lengthy and completely lined with the dreadlock-like creatures, the log was no small customer.
Anita Bethune additionally was intrigued by the invention, as have been different beachgoers who remarked on the 'alien-like look of the log,' and requested what it was.
Locals have been underneath the impression they have been an costly sea delicacy generally known as gooseneck barnacles, which a division of conservation spokesperson stated have been moderately widespread round New Zealand.
However do not plan the ceremonial dinner but.
The species is prone to be Lepas anatifera and is completely different from the kind of goose barnacle which is a standard delicacy in Portugal and Spain, the spokesperson stated.
Wilma Blom, marine invertebrate curator at Auckland Museum, stated the latest persistent north easterlies had introduced them to our shores.
Blom confirmed these have been gooseneck barnacles, "in all probability Lepas anatifera. Sure, they're eaten, significantly by Mediterranean cultures. Nonetheless, I've by no means eaten them myself."
Mysterious creatures of the deep
The smaller crabs have been typically present in affiliation with gooseneck barnacles and likewise hooked up to flotsam and jetsam across the ocean.
Comparable washed up logs had baffled Auckland beachgoers a couple of years earlier when the "alien-like" logs washed up at Piha seashore, stunning residents.