Overview
- The gelatinous invertebrates were scattered across more than 2 miles of Seaside Beach on Tuesday, according to Seaside Aquarium.
- Identified as skin-breathing sea cucumbers (Leptosynapta clarki), the stranded individuals observed were about a half-inch long though the species can reach roughly 6 inches.
- Staff said the animals cannot return to the water on their own, will dehydrate on the sand, and will be eaten by tideline invertebrates as they break down.
- The aquarium described the episode as a natural event that occurs when surf and tide align, ranging from a few times a year to once every few years.
- Most remnants are expected to dry out and disappear within a couple of days, with staff anticipating they will be gone by Wednesday or Thursday.