Florida Fisherman Catches Scary Huge Shrimp-Like Sea Creature

A Florida fisherman reeled in an unexpected catch when he found himself holding a massive shrimp-like creature that looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.

No, seriously—what the hell is that thing?

Authorities with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission have tried to make some sense of the sea-beast with the following description on their official Instagram page:

Who you calling a ‘shrimp’? Steve Bargeron was fishing from a dock in Fort Pierce as he watched a fellow fisherman pull this creature out of the water. Steve said the massive thing was about 18 inches long and striking its own tail, so he grabbed it by its back like a lobster. Scientists think it is some type of mantis shrimp (which are actually not related to shrimp, but are a type of crustacean called a stomatopod), and continue to review the photos to identify the exact species. Have you ever been shocked to find something strange on the end of your line? "Fish tales" and photos welcome! #FWC #FloridaWildlife #Saltwater#Mantis #Creature #Crustacean #Florida #LoveFL #Fishing #sofl Photo by Steve Bargeron

Regardless of their explanation, that unidentified animal has fists—and if it was up to me, all waters within a 100 mile radius would be shut down immediately.

According to the fisherman, they released the animal back into the waters (???) where it will surely live to terrorize another day. The prehistorically monstrous appearance of this creature can only accurately be described as 'nightmare fuel.'

What's your best explanation for this frightening species? Would you have thrown it back, or would you have kept it? Would you boil it? Fry it? Serve it cold in a cocktail?

Feel free to answer those questions in the comments below, and try not to let the image of this mega-shrimp haunt your dreams.