Rare scene: Thousands of penis fish were swept ashore

Thousands of penis fish washed up the coast of Drakes, California - USA after the storm hit the region.

Biologist Ivan Parr, who discovered the incident on December 6, said the same phenomenon has been recorded for years at Pajaro Dunes, Moss Landing, Bodega Bay and Princeton Pier.

Thousands of penis fish washed up on the coast of Drakes, California - USA.(Photo: David Ford).

A penis fish.(Photo: iNaturalist).

Penis fish about 25 cm long belongs to the layer of spoonworm . They have a spoon-shaped spout that is used to eat both food and swimming. This species spends most of its life in mud and sand on the sea floor, with a lifespan of up to 25 years.

Parr said the recent storm had brought these fat worms ashore. These worms often make U-shaped caves as their temporary homes, which are then used by other creatures.

Experts have found evidence of these creatures in history because of some U-shaped caves dating back 300 million years.

However, due to its size and soft body, penis fish face many threats including otters, gull sharks and humans. Experts say they are harmless and passive creatures.

1. The worm called "penis fish" can be eaten raw