Rare deep-sea anglerfish discovered by lifeguard on Southern California beach

SAN DIEGO For the second time in two years, a ghoulish, reclusive species of deep-sea fish washed ashore on an Orange County beach earlier this month.

Just in time for Friday the 13th, seasonal lifeguard at Crystal Cove State Park Sierra Fockler discovered a deep-sea anglerfish laying on the shore of Moro Beach near the lifeguard headquarters. The park later shared the pictures of the incredible find on social media.

Lifeguards estimate that the intact, but deceased specimen washed up with the morning s high tide, which was around 9 a.m. California Department of Fish and Wildlife personnel picked it up shortly after for further research.

With a gaping mouth and spiny fin, the specimen, identified as a Pacific footballfish, was the same species as the anglerfish discovered by a Moro Beach visitor in May 2021. The specimen found two years ago is currently at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles.

via fox5sandiego.com