Rare sea mouse spotted at Kessingland beach in Suffolk

A sea mouse, which is a large marine worm that eats crabs, worms and dead flesh, was found by a walker at Kessingland Beach this weekend. 

The sea mouse's long furry bristles have helped to give this worm it's unique name (Image: Ben Ambrose)

Sea Mice are carnivorous aquatic worms recognisable for their sharp black bristles, large oval shape and hairs that shimmer bright colours of blue, green and gold when underwater.

These furry hairs are said to be the reason the aquatic creature shares a name with the much less threatening field or wood mouse. 

The animal's Latin name is Aphrodita aculeata named after the goddess of love.

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Sea mice are usually found in the sea at depths of up to 3km (Image: Ben Ambrose)

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This large sea mouse is said to have been at least 15cm long and was found near the water and the tide was coming in.

Sea mice are usually found at depths of up to 3km underwater and live at the sea bed of the North Atlantic, the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and Mediterranean.