A terrifying sea creature found near Dana Point, California

, had Reddit users freaking out —

and laughing.

Experts say it was likely a dead moray eel, its bloated,

pale body giving it a nightmarish look.

Though common in SoCal waters,

moray eels are best avoided —

they can bite with rows of razor-sharp teeth if threatened.

Redditors had fun with the ID:

“When the jaws open wide and there’s more jaws inside

— that’s a moray.”

moray eel. Credit: Reddit