Small, translucent creatures known as sea cherubs are making an appearance along Oregon's coastline, with sightings reportedly more frequent than usual in 2025, according to Seaside Aquarium.
In a Facebook post on January 18, Seaside Aquarium shared that they have been observing and receiving reports of the "highly specialized sea slugs" washing ashore on Oregon beaches.
"Sea cherubs spend their lives in the open ocean with a pair of swing-like paddles, which are used for swimming and allow them to propel themselves quickly," Seaside Aquarium stated. "While they may not look like it, they are voracious hunters and can take down prey three times their size."
On January 16, Seaside Aquarium spoke with KOIN 6 News, confirming that reports of sea cherubs washing up began around January 14. The phenomenon has been observed across various locations, including Seaside, Cannon Beach, and Arcadia State Park.
"Sea cherubs are very delicate creatures and usually die quite quickly once on the beach," a spokesperson for the aquarium told KOIN 6 News. "While they can swim, they cannot swim against the ocean’s currents, so you can put them back in the water, but they are going to wash back in."
Aquarium staff have collected a few living sea cherubs found along the shore, bringing them back to the facility to educate visitors about these fascinating creatures.
"They are not harmful to humans," the spokesperson explained. "But, like all things that wash up on the beach, it is best to keep your dogs from eating them."
While sea cherub sightings are not uncommon during this time of year, the spokesperson noted that 2025 has seen a higher-than-usual number of these creatures. They added that one of the sea cherubs' primary food sources, sea butterflies, is also washing ashore in greater numbers, which may explain the increase in sightings.
Beachgoers do not need to report sea cherub sightings, as the creatures are not currently part of any formal study. "We just happen to be invertebrate nerds and love to share what we find," the spokesperson said.
For more information on this unique occurrence, visit Seaside Aquarium's Facebook page.
