Imagine the squeal. Image: YouTube
With oceans and seas covering roughly 71 percent of the earth’s surface, there is no telling what’s below the surface that us humans haven’t discovered. What we have discovered thus far is astonishing, no doubt. From cannibalistic fish to creatures you swore you’ve blown out your nose, there’s something for everyone.
Every once in a awhile, there’s a creature under the sea that resembles a creature on land – the sea pig, or Scotoplanes, is that creature. Also known as a sea cucumber, it has some of the most bizarre qualities found on this planet of ours. It’s not at all aggressive, unless you’re a tasty organic particle inhabiting deep-sea mud, nor does it lie in wait for unsuspecting fish – though it does harbor one in the depths of its anus. It’s a peaceful creature, and it enjoys the finer things in deep sea life.
The one thing that might be slightly intimidating about the sea pig is that it travels in large packs – anywhere from 300 to 600 at a time. However, they won’t cause you any harm as they typically dwell at depths of roughly 1,000 meters below sea level and, again, are “pacifists.” They’re simply there to enjoy eating microscopic morsels of sustenance and resemble the craziest looking cross between a cucumber, beetle and a translucent pig. But its physical appearance isn’t the only thing that landed it the distinction of Crazy Creature of the Week. Like its land-dwelling cousins, the sea pig has some inane qualities about it (see video below).
One unfortunate truth about the sea pig is that it’s on the losing end of nearly every interaction over the course of their life. Hence why it can only prey on microscopic life forms. What an existence. From deep-sea trawlers to virtually any kind of predator to – yep, you guessed it – humans, everything kills and or eats it. In fact, one trawl can scoop and kill nearly 300 sea pigs. Imagine the collective squeal. In Japan, after they’re trawled, they’re consumed at an alarming rate and are considered a delicacy. Funny enough, they supposedly taste like chicken.
For more information, enjoy this educational video on the sea pig:
