Thousands of sea spoon worms Urechis caupo, popularly known as ‘penis fish’, suddenly washed up on a southern California coast (USA) attracting many curious tourists to take pictures and share. share on social networks.
Thousands of penis fish washed up on Drakes beach, California – Photo: Instagram
The New York Post on December 12 reported that biologist Ivan Parr discovered and photographed thousands of pink worms on Drakes Beach. Mr. Parr believes a recent storm is the reason why these Urechis caupo sea spoonworms have appeared on the beach.
Mr. Parr, who saw the scene on December 6, explained that these fishes that look like the man’s penis usually live in the water, burying themselves in mud or sand but storms can create big waves and push them ashore.
Biologist Ivan Parr took a photo of the penis fish on December 6 – Photo: NYP
Spoonworms, which can live up to 25 years, eat and swim using their spoon-shaped proboscis. They often eat bacteria, plankton in seawater, appearing about 300 million years ago.
Parr said he’s heard about the phenomenon over the years at California beaches like Pajaro Dunes, Moss Landing, Bodega Bay and Princeton Harbor.
Penis fish often face many threats from otters, gulls to humans. In particular, penis fish is a popular dish in Korea and is usually eaten raw.