A strange creature was branded "the stuff of nightmares" after washing up on a North Wales beach.
The unusual sea creature was found in Gwynedd by regular beachgoer Shell Longmore. She was so stunned by the creature she took to social media for confirmation.
After being described as a "starfish playing the maracas", Stranger Things fans were quick to zone in on its resemblance. Shell wrote on Facebook that it was a "massive shock" to find the "strange-looking creature" but it was also "very beautiful", North Wales Live reports.
READ MORE: Mum who mooned crowd of parents at school sports day responds to backlash
But many were quick to notice it actually looked very similar to the Mind Flayer, a spider-like beast featured on Netflix hit Stranger Things.
One person wrote: "The stuff of nightmare’s. That’s what it is." However, it was later identified as a gaggle of Gooseneck barnacles - considered a rare delicacy, known as percebes.
Gooseneck barnacles also come at a price, being among the most expensive seafood. Export prices of up to £300 per kilo have been reported, but they can be bought online for around £80-£90 for a kilo. One Facebook user told Shell to: "Pick them up, sell them or eat them! Apparently they are lovely and are really expensive!"
Another suggestion for the creature was the closely related Buoy Barnacle, which is said to have resembled another Stranger Things monster, the Demogorgon. According to the Fish Society, Gooseneck barnacles are "an expensive rarity, chipped off dangerous rocky chorelines by intrepid collectors."
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
Merseyside beach named one of ten best in the UK
Manchester Airport shares new travel warning to all passengers
Millionaire gated mansion with a pool and cinema for sale
Mum says £1.18 creation is 'the best weed killer ever'
Costs as Spain, France, Greece and Portugal to charge UK tourists to enter
