A deep-sea angler fish, known as the Pacific football fish, was recently discovered washed up on a beach just south of Cannon Beach, Oregon. This event marks a significant find, as noted by the Seaside Aquarium: “This is the first one reported on the Oregon Coast to our knowledge.”
The Pacific football fish lives in deep, dark ocean waters, usually between 2,000 and 3,300 feet deep, where no light reaches. Finding one on the beach is extraordinary, with only 31 other sightings recorded globally, in places like New Zealand, Japan, Russia, Hawaii, Ecuador, Chile, and California.
The Pacific football fish has a fascinating way of catching its food. It uses a glowing bulb on its forehead to lure in prey. This light attracts other sea creatures close enough for the fish to eat them.
What’s also interesting about these fish is how they reproduce. Only female Pacific football fish hunt. Males are much smaller and attach themselves to the females, depending entirely on the females for nutrients. In return, the males provide the females with a “steady source of sperm,” which helps continue the species.
This rare sighting on the Oregon Coast gives scientists a unique chance to learn more about this mysterious and seldom-seen fish, highlighting just how much is still to be discovered in the depths of our oceans.
Toledo, United States.
