Rare ‘Sea Mouse’ Washes Up on Suffolk’s Pakefield Beach

Overview

• Georgina and Rob Pope found the bristled creature on rocks at Pakefield near Lowestoft during a Sunday dog walk.
• The specimen measured about 15cm and displayed sharp black bristles that shimmered green, blue and gold in sunlight.
• The couple identified it as a sea mouse, with local reports noting no official scientific confirmation.
• Sea mice are benthic, carnivorous polychaete worms that can occasionally be washed onto beaches after rough weather or at low tides.
• A similar stranding was reported in June at Scratby in Norfolk, indicating occasional regional occurrences along the East Anglian coast.