‘Alien-like’ creatures washed up on Sydney beaches

An “alien-like” creature has been found washed up on a Sydney beach - and it’s stunned locals.

An “alien-like” sea creature has been found washed up on a Sydney beach after the recent deluge across New South Wales.

Many beachgoers posted pictures of the unknown creature, found at Cronulla in Sydney’s south.

‘They are everywhere … I was also wondering what they are,” one user wrote.

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium aquarist Daniel Sokolnikoff said the “alien-like sea creature”, which is often dubbed a “sea slug” or “ink fish”, is a sea hare.

“It is most likely the species Aplysia sydneyensis, a local Sydney species,” he said.

“They come in a range of different colours. Basically, they have adapted to blend in with their environments. So you see them in really dark black colours, but then you also see them in browns, yellows, and even reds.”

Alien-like creatures are washing up on Sydney beaches.

The Sea Hare is often dubbed a ‘sea slug’ or ‘ink fish’.

The species, which can grow up to 40cm long, camouflages themselves as rocks to stay safe from other animals eating them.

They can be identified by their large wings and jelly-like bodies.

Mr Sokolnikoff said the species can be found in shallow waters and rocky shore because of their seagrass and marine vegetation diets.

Although sea hare species are not a threat to humans, Mr Sokolnikoff warned residents against touching the long-eared mammals.

“If you don‘t know what it is, you don’t want to be touching it. Observe from a distance but don’t touch anything that you’re not sure what it is. That disturbs the sea life as a general rule,” he said.

Reports of sea hares have been found across the nation, including NSW, Tasmania and WA.

There have also been reports of the slimy football-sized creatures washing up on beaches in Perth and the South West.

Sea hares can be toxic to dogs that lick, consume or come into contact with them, with symptoms including seizures, vomiting, muscle spasms and even death.

The most common symptoms of sea hare toxicity in dogs include increased excitement, inability to walk properly, tremors, vomiting, lethargy, and seizures.

Experts urged dog owners to take their pet to the nearest vet if it comes into contact with If your dog comes into contact with the molluscs.