An acaleph-like aquatic creature was spotted in Fuzhou, the capital city of southeastern China's Fujian Province. The creature is yet to be identified.

A acaleph-like aquatic creature crumbles into several parts after being fished out of water in this photo published on Thursday, June 19, 2008. [Photo: Strait News]

The aquatic species, weighing dozens of kilograms, appears grey in the water. However, it turns transparent and jelly-like once fished out of water.

Several local fishermen who have been fishing in Zuohai sea for more than 10 years - where the aquatic creature was spotted - told the Strait News that they have never seen such a species before.

The biggest one they found was nearly one meter long and weighed some 40 kilograms. One of the creatures taken out of the water on Monday afternoon turned into a transparent glue-like substance in two days, with some green silk-like objects inside.

Bearing antennas at its rear end, the species is only capable of drifting along in water currents.

Local residents said that the unidentified "water monster" grew quickly, and were worried that it was caused by the polluted water.

A biologist whose name was not given said the aquatic creature is most likely a kind of algae, not an animal. However, it's unsure whether the creature is a sign that the Zuohai sea is polluted.