Story highlights The goofy-looking creature is a stubby squid (which is sort of like a cuttlefish)

Even the scientists were amused

(CNN) Hey, come look at this weird sea creature. It's so purple! And unnervingly alert!

This SpongeBob Squarepants-looking little guy is a stubby squid. It was discovered by the E/V Nautilus off the coast of southern California. And oddly enough, it's wearing the exact expression you'd expect from someone whose day was interrupted by a giant picture-taking alien diving craft.

Stubby squids are closely related to cuttlefish, but as one of the scientists in the video aptly points out, it just looks like some kid dropped their toy on the sea floor. (More like cuddlefish, right? Heh.)

Lest you think you shouldn't be amused by something as deeply unscientific as the random markings of a random cephalopod, pay attention to the scientists in the video. They are just as charmed as you are.

The E/V Nautilus is a scientific exploration vesse l that is currently doing work near Big Sur. Purple guy is far from the only animal they've encountered, either. Take a look at this, uh, charming face.

|DIVE ALERT| Smile, we're diving on Partington Canyon off the coast of Big Sur, CA! Watch: https://t.co/Ajj54YYX2Q pic.twitter.com/Xm7h3mJZwu — E/V Nautilus (@EVNautilus) August 15, 2016

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