Watch: Scientists Unveil This Disgusting New Animal

<div><p>Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the ocean, researchers have unveiled an alien-looking creature lurking in the waters near the Philippines.</p><p>Called the <strong>giant shipworm</strong>, this 5 foot long snake is actually closely related to clams. It lives underwater (just like <a href="https://www.shared.com/i-cant-believe-this-is-a-real-animal-2252806768/" target="_blank">another bizarre sea creature</a>) inside a long shell shaped like an elephant tusk.</p><p>Scientists have known this weird creature exists since the '80s, but this was the first time they managed to capture one alive. </p><p>I wonder if it's too late to put this thing back where it came from and forget we ever found it?</p><div><div><div><amp-youtube height="9" width="16" layout="responsive" data-videoid="My50J0YKDZ0"></amp-youtube></div></div></div><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p><p></p><p>Believe it or not, this monster's appearance isn't the weirdest thing about it - although it definitely deserves a spot on the list of <a href="https://www.shared.com/13-ugly-animals-that-prove-beauty-is-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder-2230812201/" target="_blank">ugliest animals</a>. The shipworm doesn't need to eat. Instead, bacteria in its gills turn chemicals in the water into food.</p><p>You might wonder what the local fishermen thought of these giant worms? They're actually considered a delicacy by local villagers.</p><p>The shipworm is said to taste like octopus once it's cooked, and locals even claim it's an aphrodisiac. </p><div><figure><a href="http://www.dw.com/en/first-living-giant-shipworm-found-in-philippines/a-38463268" target="_blank"><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Ship.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Ship_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/Ship_GH_content_650px.jpg 650w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></a><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite><a href="http://www.dw.com/en/first-living-giant-shipworm-found-in-philippines/a-38463268" target="_blank">Deutsche Welle</a></cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><strong>Share this creepy crawler with someone you know!</strong></p><p></p><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p></div>