A monstrous-looking fish normally found thousands of feet deep in the ocean washed up on a California beach. The black colored creature with its gaping mouth laid on the sand on the shore of Crystal Cove State Park’s Marine Protected Area in Laguna Beach last Friday. To see an actual angler fish intact is very rare, and even more unusual to find it so close to shore!
What is a Pacific Football Fish?
The Pacific Football Fish is a deep-sea creature usually found in the Monterey, California region. They are typically seen at depths of 4000 feet and can grow to up to 18 inches long! The fish also have large teeth that resemble glass shards which they use for feeding on crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs.
The Pacific Football Fish is part of the anglerfish family which has more than 200 members. It is also part of the “Lophiiformes” order.
When threatened, Pacific Football Fish will jet away from predators in a manner that has been described as swimming on its side like a football and inflating to create drag. It can even turn itself inside out if it needs to!
Why its So Rare To See This Fish on the Beach
Due the the size of this creature and the stalk on the top of its head California State Parks said it appears to be female. “Only females possess a long stalk on the head with bioluminescent tips used as a lure to entice prey in the darkness of waters as deep as 3,000 feet!,” according to the Crystal Cove State Park post.
Females of this species can be up to 2 ft or 0.60 meters in length whereas the males only grow to be around 1 inch long.
“Males latch onto the female with their teeth and become ‘sexual parasites,’ eventually coalescing with the female until nothing is left of their form but their testes for reproduction,”
Why Do Angler Fish Have Stalks on the top of their head?
The Angler Fish has a stalk on the top of its head for luring prey. The female’s size and long, glowing lure which works well in the depths of the ocean to attract attention from prey.
Why do Angler Fish Live Deep Under the Ocean?
Angler fish live deep under the ocean because they are nocturnal hunters. They also prefer to hunt near rocks for cover from predators that might be lurking there.
What Will They Do With the Fish?
Right now the fish is being held at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife so that it can be used for educational purposes.
“Seeing this strange and fascinating fish is a testament to the diversity of marine life lurking below the water’s surface …,” reads the Crystal Cove State Park post. “.. and as scientists continue to learn more about these deep sea creatures it’s important to reflect on how much is still to be learned from our wonderful ocean.”
