Rare anglerfish found on Southern California shore.
Rare Deep-Sea Creature Washes Up on California Beach
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif.—State park and wildlife officials made an extraordinary discovery earlier this month at El Moro Beach in Crystal Cove State Park. They found a rare deep-sea creature belonging to the anglerfish family, known as the Pacific Football fish.
Normally residing at depths of up to 8,200 feet, these fish have large mouths filled with jagged sharp teeth, making them capable of devouring prey their own size. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife describes them as formidable predators.
This is only the second time an anglerfish has been found washed up at this location, with the last occurrence happening in 2021, according to John Ugoretz from the department.
“There are only about 30 specimens of this species in museum collections around the world, so encountering one is certainly rare,” said John Ugoretz from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
As a deep-sea fish that rarely sees light, the angler species has another unique feature—a small curved rod above its head filled with bioluminescent bacteria. This light attracts unsuspecting fish, serving as a lure for their next meal.
“We really don’t know why this happened at El Moro Beach, but other deep-sea fish have washed up in the state before,” added Mr. Ugoretz.
The fish has been transferred to the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History, where it will join the previous anglerfish specimen found at Crystal Cove.
Crystal Cove State Park staff wasted no time sharing several pictures of the fish, showcasing its menacing appearance, on Facebook.
“It’s a spooky looking fish for sure!” commented one person.
Another individual compared the fish to a terrifying monster from a horror film of the 1980s.
Crystal Cove park officials also expressed their amazement at the rarity of such a find.
“To see an actual anglerfish intact is very rare, and it remains unknown how or why these fish end up onshore,” posted a staff member on Facebook. “This strange and fascinating fish highlights the diverse marine life lurking beneath California’s Marine Protected Areas.”
Danny Dahlin, a Southern California fisherman and owner of Dahlin Baits in the Redondo Beach area, agreed with the park staff, emphasizing the rarity of encountering such a fish.
“Anglerfish are deep-water creatures that most recreational fishermen will never see or catch. They inhabit depths where light cannot reach… finding one washed up on our beaches is both cool and puzzling,” Mr. Dahlin told The Epoch Times.
While Mr. Dahlin acknowledged that his local fishing area attracts exotic fish due to a deep-water canyon, anglerfish will always remain a mystery among the Southern California fishing community. Some even refer to it as “The Devil Fish” because of its ominous features.
“Not much is known about these elusive fish due to their habitat in great depths,” he said. “This is probably the most ‘Halloween fish’ to ever exist.”
What factors may have caused the Pacific Football fish to be found closer to the shore?
On beaches before,” said Ugoretz. “It’s possible that strong currents or storms swept this particular Pacific Football fish closer to the shore.”
The discovery of this rare deep-sea creature has sparked interest and excitement among scientists and marine enthusiasts. The Pacific Football fish is typically found in the northern Pacific Ocean, ranging from Japan to Southern California at depths below 3,000 feet.
“These fish are adapted to survive in extreme conditions, such as immense pressures and darkness,” explained Dr. Emily Davidson, a marine biologist. “Encountering them up close gives us valuable insights into their biology and behavior.”
Researchers and scientists are now studying the specimen to gather more information about the species and its habitat. They are particularly interested in understanding its life cycle, reproductive habits, and feeding patterns.
The Pacific Football fish measures about 18 inches in length and has a distinctive appearance with a large, fanged mouth and a long, slender body. It is known to feed on small fish, crustaceans, and squid.
“They are voracious predators and have no trouble capturing prey that are larger than themselves,” said Dr. Davidson. “Their sharp teeth and expandable jaws allow them to engulf and consume prey of considerable size.”
While the Pacific Football fish may seem intimidating, they pose no threat to humans. Their habitat is so deep in the ocean that encounters with humans are incredibly rare.
“It’s important to remember that these creatures have their place in the delicate balance of our marine ecosystem,” said Ugoretz. “They play a significant role in controlling populations of smaller fish and maintaining the health of the ocean.”
The discovery of this rare deep-sea creature serves as a reminder of the incredible diversity and wonders of the marine world. It highlights the need for further exploration and research to better understand and protect these unique and fragile ecosystems.
“Every new discovery like this brings us closer to unraveling the mysteries of the deep sea,” said Dr. Davidson. “There is still so much we don’t know, and every piece of the puzzle is important.”
The Pacific Football fish has been carefully preserved and will be displayed in a museum for educational purposes. Its presence serves as a testament to the beauty and complexity of our oceans and the need to preserve and protect them for future generations.
As scientists continue to study and learn from this rare find, it is hoped that further knowledge and understanding of deep-sea creatures will contribute to their conservation and the preservation of their habitats. The discovery of the Pacific Football fish serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of protecting marine biodiversity and the need for sustainable practices to ensure the long-term health of our oceans.
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