Weird Wednesday: The Color out of Sea

The diving team had found a kind of eel
That did not shock, but had its own attack
(The crew did not at first think this was real
For reasons that we'll soon explore). Way back
Had tales been told of serpents that beguiled
Both predators and prey with a display,
But seeing such a thing out in the wild?
Exciting! Soon the color made its way
(Through synthesized protein) into the realm
Of fashion, ere the scientists could halt
Development. It soon did overwhelm
World culture. In a short time this gestalt
Was fatal to the future of our race
As madness stared now from each human face.