Elleda Wilson: Deep-sea drop-in

Elleda Wilson, The Daily Astorian, Ore.
·1 min read

May 4—"Several lancetfish have washed ashore on Oregon's beaches the last few weeks from Nehalem south to Bandon," Oregon State Parks posted May 1 on Facebook. "These deep-sea fish live in tropical and subtropical waters and can migrate as far north as the Bering Sea to feed. No one is sure why they are washing ashore ... If you see one, take a photo and post with the tags @Oregon State Parks and @NOAA Fisheries West Coast."

Here are a few facts about lancetfish, courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atomospheric Administration Fisheries: They are scaleless and have smooth skin; they can reach almost 7 feet long; they are both male and female, but little is known about their reproduction; and, they are "ambush predators" and "notorious cannibals."

Luckily, the lancetfish shown in the photo was found alive and was "helped back to the ocean, and it swam off." (Photo: Oregon State Parks)