This mystery creature baffled fishermen after it was pulled ashore in their net.

The unknown aquatic animal was seen moving around after being emptied onto the boat alongside several crabs.

Fishermen were astonished by the appearance of the rare creature with a bizarre covering on its body on the island of Koh Yao Noi in Phang Nga, southern Thailand on January 13.

They said they had never seen anything like it before. It was believed that the creature was a type of crab since it was tiny and walking sideways.

Fisherman Thammawat Junphungprakian said he believed the crab had been living in the seabed and hiding in the reef.

He said: ''We threw this creature back into the sea. I think it's a type of crab but it's not one I have ever seen before.''

This mystery creature baffled fisherman after it was pulled ashore in their net.

The unknown aquatic animal was seen moving around after being emptied onto the boat alongside several crabs.

Fishermen were astonished by the appearance of the rare creature with a bizarre covering on its body on the island of Koh Yao Noi in Phang Nga, southern Thailand on January 13.

They said they had never seen anything like it before. It was believed that the creature was a type of crab since it was tiny and walking sideways.

Fisherman Thammawat Junphungprakian said he believed the crab had been living in the seabed and hiding in the reef.

He said: ''We threw this creature back into the sea. I think it's a type of crab but it's not one I have ever seen before.''