Giant eel, "messed up crocodile" or unidentified lake monster?

A creature apparently photographed at Swansea, south of Newcastle, has confused and slightly frightened locals since it washed up on social media on Monday, the Newcastle Herald reports.

The odd creature washed up at Swansea has been identified as as pike eel. Credit:Facebook: Ethan Tippa

Ethan Tippa, who posted the photo on Facebook, typified the general response.

"What the f--- is it?" he asked.