When Malta's Sea Monsters Are Real Animals

Introduction

Malta’s modern sea-monster stories are often less about unknown beasts and more about unfamiliar marine life appearing suddenly in clear Mediterranean water. Divers, swimmers and fishermen regularly encounter translucent chains, glowing blobs, ribbon-like colonies and other strange organisms that can look startlingly alien at first glance. In a country where much of the coastline is accessible and underwater visibility is exceptionally good, unusual sea creatures are often photographed and shared online within hours, creating brief waves of speculation before marine biologists identify them. The result is a distinctive form of modern Maltese “monster” lore: not hidden creatures lurking for centuries, but real animals whose appearance is so unfamiliar that they temporarily seem to belong in a sea-serpent story.[Times of Malta]timesofmalta.comTimes of Malta Strange marine creatures aboundTimes of MaltaStrange marine creatures aboundJanuary 30, 2011 — 30 Jan 2011 — These unfamiliar marine creatures are actually not jellyfis…Published: January 30, 2011

Ghostly Salps and Diver Reports

One of the most common sources of modern Maltese sea-creature scares is the salp. Salps are free-floating marine animals that are transparent, gelatinous and often linked together in long chains. To someone encountering them unexpectedly underwater, they can resemble strings of glowing eggs, floating organs, or fragments of some much larger creature.[Atlantis Gozo Diving]atlantisgozo.comAtlantis Gozo Diving Big Salp (Salpa maximaAtlantis Gozo DivingBig Salp (Salpa maxima) - Gozo Diving MaltaJune 3, 2019 — Salps are common in equatorial, temperate, and cold seas, w…Published: June 3, 2019

A widely shared Maltese diving encounter in 2020 featured a diver filming a large, translucent salp drifting through the water. News coverage described the organism as “spooky” and “ghostly”, reflecting the reaction many people have when they first see one. Yet the creature was not rare or dangerous; it was simply a marine animal whose transparent body made it appear unreal.[GuideMeMalta]guidememalta.comMaltese diver's ghostly encounter with spooky “sea…13 Feb 2020 — We're kinda sure they must get mistaken for plastic debri…

Salps periodically appear in unusually high numbers around Malta. Marine observers have recorded both living and dead colonies washing into coastal waters, sometimes creating the impression that an unexplained biological event is occurring. In reality, these blooms are part of natural ocean processes and are well known to marine scientists.[MaltaToday.com.mt]maltatoday.com.mtabnormally large number of dead salp colonies attracted to malta s sea 20130416This siphonophore species is actually a colony attached to a gas…Read more…

What makes salps important in Malta’s mystery-creature tradition is not that they are unknown, but that they are unfamiliar to many coastal visitors. A diver expecting fish, octopuses and reefs can easily be startled by a transparent chain several metres long drifting silently through the blue.

Giant Siphonophores in Maltese Waters

If salps look strange, siphonophores look positively extraterrestrial.

Siphonophores are not single animals but colonies made up of many specialised individuals working together. Some species form long, delicate structures that can stretch for remarkable distances. Their transparent bodies, trailing tentacles and complex shapes often make them appear more like science-fiction creations than ordinary marine life.[Wikipedia]WikipediaOpen source on wikipedia.org.

Malta has experienced several notable siphonophore sightings. Reports from marine monitoring projects around the islands documented large numbers of these organisms appearing in local waters, alongside salps and comb jellies. Researchers specifically noted sightings of sizeable siphonophore species around the Maltese coast.[Times of Malta]timesofmalta.comTimes of Malta Sightings of siphonophores in Maltese watersTimes of MaltaSightings of siphonophores in Maltese watersFebruary 20, 2011 — 20 Feb 2011 — This large siphonophore lives in all oceans…Published: February 20, 2011

The most dramatic recent example emerged when divers photographed a giant siphonophore identified as Praya dubia. News reports described it as one of the largest living creatures on Earth, capable of reaching lengths comparable to or exceeding those of blue whales, despite being only a thin colonial organism. Images of the animal quickly spread because its appearance matched popular expectations of a “sea monster”: long, pale, mysterious and unlike any familiar fish.[maltadaily.mt]maltadaily.mtMalta Daily Giant Alien-Like Creature Spotted In Maltese WatersMalta DailyGiant Alien-Like Creature Spotted In Maltese WatersApril 6, 2025 — 6 Apr 2025 — A giant alien-like creature was recently spott…Published: April 6, 2025

Seen in poor light, partially observed from a boat, or encountered unexpectedly underwater, a large siphonophore could easily inspire stories of giant serpents or unknown creatures. Historically, many marine monster traditions around the world have drawn on exactly this kind of fleeting encounter with unfamiliar ocean life.

Why Transparent Creatures Trigger Monster Stories

The creatures most likely to be mistaken for monsters in Maltese waters share several characteristics.

First, many are translucent. Human observers naturally struggle to judge the size and shape of transparent organisms underwater. A floating colony can seem much larger, longer or closer than it really is.[Times of Malta]timesofmalta.comTimes of Malta Strange marine creatures aboundTimes of MaltaStrange marine creatures aboundJanuary 30, 2011 — 30 Jan 2011 — These unfamiliar marine creatures are actually not jellyfis…Published: January 30, 2011

Second, many occur in chains or colonies. Salps and siphonophores can create the illusion of a single enormous organism when they are actually composed of repeated units linked together. A brief glimpse may reveal only part of the structure, encouraging imaginative interpretations.[Atlantis Gozo Diving]atlantisgozo.comAtlantis Gozo Diving Big Salp (Salpa maximaAtlantis Gozo DivingBig Salp (Salpa maxima) - Gozo Diving MaltaJune 3, 2019 — Salps are common in equatorial, temperate, and cold seas, w…Published: June 3, 2019

Third, they often appear suddenly. Seasonal blooms can bring large numbers of unusual organisms into coastal waters where people do not normally expect to see them. When dozens of strange gelatinous animals appear at once, rumours spread quickly.[MaltaToday.com.mt]maltatoday.com.mtabnormally large number of dead salp colonies attracted to malta s sea 20130416This siphonophore species is actually a colony attached to a gas…Read more…

Finally, many are genuinely beautiful and bizarre. Comb jellies, salps, pyrosomes and siphonophores possess forms that differ dramatically from the fish and crustaceans most people recognise. Marine researchers in Malta have repeatedly noted public reports of “strange creatures” that turned out to be perfectly normal, though rarely noticed, components of Mediterranean ecosystems.[Times of Malta]timesofmalta.comTimes of Malta Strange marine creatures aboundTimes of MaltaStrange marine creatures aboundJanuary 30, 2011 — 30 Jan 2011 — These unfamiliar marine creatures are actually not jellyfis…Published: January 30, 2011

How Malta’s Diving Culture Changes the Story

Unlike classic sea-monster legends that depend on distant observations, modern Maltese marine mysteries usually unfold in front of cameras.

Malta is one of the Mediterranean’s best-known diving destinations, with thousands of divers entering local waters every year. This means unusual sightings are frequently photographed, filmed and shared with marine biologists. The interval between “What is that?” and a scientific identification is often measured in hours rather than years.[Diving Info]divinginfo.mtOpen source on divinginfo.mt.

This has produced a different kind of folklore. Instead of long-running mysteries, Malta experiences short-lived creature scares that quickly become educational stories about marine biology. A translucent chain becomes a salp colony. An apparent underwater serpent becomes a siphonophore. An alien-looking blob becomes a comb jelly or sea slug.[timesofmalta.com]timesofmalta.comTimes of Malta Strange marine creatures aboundTimes of MaltaStrange marine creatures aboundJanuary 30, 2011 — 30 Jan 2011 — These unfamiliar marine creatures are actually not jellyfis…Published: January 30, 2011

In that sense, Malta offers an interesting contrast to countries with famous lake monsters or sea-serpent traditions. The mystery remains, but the explanation often arrives before the legend can fully take shape.

When the Monster Turns Out to Be Real

The most revealing feature of Malta’s modern marine sightings is that the creatures are real. There is no need to invent hidden species when the Mediterranean already contains animals capable of astonishing even experienced observers.

A giant siphonophore drifting through deep water, a chain of transparent salps illuminated by sunlight, or a swarm of gelatinous organisms appearing unexpectedly near shore can all look like something from folklore. The excitement comes not from discovering a cryptid, but from discovering how strange ordinary marine life can be.[maltadaily.mt]maltadaily.mtMalta Daily Giant Alien-Like Creature Spotted In Maltese WatersMalta DailyGiant Alien-Like Creature Spotted In Maltese WatersApril 6, 2025 — 6 Apr 2025 — A giant alien-like creature was recently spott…Published: April 6, 2025

For Malta’s contemporary sea-monster stories, that is often the punchline: the monster exists, but it belongs to marine biology rather than cryptozoology. The islands’ busy diving coast has become a place where the boundary between myth and nature is crossed not by finding unknown beasts, but by learning how extraordinary known animals already are.[guidememalta.com]guidememalta.comMaltese diver's ghostly encounter with spooky “sea…13 Feb 2020 — We're kinda sure they must get mistaken for plastic debri…

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Further Reading

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Spineless

By Juli Berwald

Helps explain how unfamiliar marine animals inspire monster stories.

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The World Beneath

By Richard Smith

Explains unusual ocean organisms that can resemble monsters.

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The Brilliant Abyss

By Helen Scales

Explores little-known ocean life behind monster-like sightings.

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The Soul of an Octopus

By Sy Montgomery

Shows how remarkable sea creatures can seem almost mythical.

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Endnotes

1. Source: guidememalta.com
Link:https://www.guidememalta.com/en/maltese-diver-s-ghostly-encounter-with-spooky-sea-creature-features-on-daily-mail

2. Source: maltatoday.com.mt
Title: abnormally large number of dead salp colonies attracted to malta s sea 20130416
Link:https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/environment/environment/26128/abnormally-large-number-of-dead-salp-colonies-attracted-to-malta-s-sea-20130416

3. Source: Wikipedia
Link:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siphonophore

4. Source: Wikipedia
Title: Praya dubia
Link:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praya_dubia

5. Source: maltatoday.com.mt
Link:https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/8503/new-gelatinous-species-spotted-in-maltese-waters

6. Source: facebook.com
Link:https://www.facebook.com/LovinMalta/posts/a-bizarre-looking-sea-creature-that-resembles-something-straight-out-of-a-sci-fi/1456091489892698/

7. Source: facebook.com
Link:https://www.facebook.com/groups/142126849181880/posts/23889592904008608/

8. Source: facebook.com
Link:https://www.facebook.com/alan.deidun/posts/mysterious-creatures-in-the-dark-these-are-salp-individuals-which-might-look-lik/10235747635296417/

9. Source: facebook.com
Link:https://www.facebook.com/LovinMalta/posts/malta_ginger_mermaid-has-shared-the-sea-creatures-that-storm-helios-brought-into/3660759157480552/

10. Source: facebook.com
Link:https://www.facebook.com/groups/691816674281470/posts/9171471676315885/

11. Source: facebook.com
Link:https://www.facebook.com/groups/364813077507214/posts/1680025802652595/

12. Source: facebook.com
Title: cryptic creature caught by angler off malta is first of its kind catch see it
Link:https://www.facebook.com/sunnews/posts/cryptic-creature-caught-by-angler-off-malta-is-first-of-its-kind-catch-see-it/1188003856705921/

13. Source: facebook.com
Link:https://www.facebook.com/groups/631240853585072/posts/30877084341907325/

14. Source: facebook.com
Link:https://www.facebook.com/GuideMeMalta/posts/these-creatures-may-look-unusual-but-theyre-regular-seasonal-visitors-in-maltas-/1238858838356619/

15. Source: guidememalta.com
Title: spot the jellyfish campaign faces busy times as a surge of reports is recorded
Link:https://www.guidememalta.com/en/spot-the-jellyfish-campaign-faces-busy-times-as-a-surge-of-reports-is-recorded

16. Source: timesofmalta.com
Title: Times of Malta Strange marine creatures abound
Link:https://timesofmalta.com/article/strange-marine-creatures-abound.347693

Published: January 30, 2011

17. Source: atlantisgozo.com
Title: Atlantis Gozo Diving Big Salp (Salpa maxima)
Link:https://www.atlantisgozo.com/marine-life-malta/salpa-maxima-big-salp/

Published: June 3, 2019

18. Source: timesofmalta.com
Title: Times of Malta Sightings of siphonophores in Maltese waters
Link:https://timesofmalta.com/mobile/articles/view/20110220/environment/sightings-of-siphonophores-in-maltese-waters.351081

Published: February 20, 2011

19. Source: maltadaily.mt
Title: Malta Daily Giant Alien-Like Creature Spotted In Maltese Waters
Link:https://maltadaily.mt/articles/giant-alien-like-creature-spotted-in-maltese-waters

Published: April 6, 2025

20. Source: lovinmalta.com
Link:https://lovinmalta.com/lifestyle/pets/in-photos-gigantic-alien-like-sea-creature-known-as-one-of-worlds-largest-spotted-in-maltese-waters/

21. Source: divinginfo.mt
Link:https://www.divinginfo.mt/category/news/sightings/

Additional References

22. Source: youtube.com
Title: Salp: The Strangest Transparent Creature in the Ocean
Link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50WpsTt9iXo

23. Source: youtube.com
Title: Every DISTURBING MYTHICAL Sea Creature Explained in 16 Minutes
Link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyo3nDT-tmE

24. Source: youtube.com
Title: Every Sea Monster Sailors Feared Explained in 16 Minutes
Link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbohGmcS3EY

25. Source: youtube.com
Title: An Ode to Salps: Our Gelatinous Marine Cousins
Link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiPFL9xocOk

26. Source: youtube.com
Title: Sea Salps | National Geographic
Link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Jooz4gz264

27. Source: baku.ws
Title: a 50 meter predator with dangerous venom spotted near european shores
Link:https://baku.ws/en/world/a-50-meter-predator-with-dangerous-venom-spotted-near-european-shores

28. Source: transportinmalta.wordpress.com
Title: spot the jellyfish
Link:https://transportinmalta.wordpress.com/2015/05/04/spot-the-jellyfish/