Mystery ocean creature skeleton found on beach in Russia

Strange discovery ... This creature was found by Russian soldiers on a beach. Picture: Australscope Source: australscope

WHEN this odd skeleton washed up on a beach, many locals were convinced that sea monsters were real.

Initial tests suggested the strange shaped beast wasn’t a fish, alligator or a crocodile — fuelling theories that the remains could have been from a prehistoric creature.

The images were snapped by soldiers in 2006 but its only now that marine experts have decided what it is.

Sea creature ... Scientists believe the remains are of a beluga whale. Picture: Australscope Source: australscope

They say it's the fact the skeleton of a large beluga whale.

Investigations eight years ago appeared to suggest the bones were not those of a fish, and it was thought the creature measured five metres in length and had hair or fur.

The remains were discovered on a beach in Sakhalin, an island in eastern Russia, close to Japan.

Cute when they’re alive ... a Beluga Whale at the Vancouver Aquarium. Picture: AP Photo/Darryl Dyck, The Canadian Press Source: News Limited