Rare Deep-Sea Footballfish Washes Up on Oregon Coast

The elusive Pacific footballfish, usually found thousands of feet underwater, was discovered on Cannon Beach, marking its first recorded appearance in Oregon.

The Pacific footballfish is a deep-sea anglerfish that lives in near-total darkness at depths of 2,000 to 3,300 feet.
Only 32 specimens of this species have been recorded worldwide, with previous sightings in New Zealand, Japan, and California.
The fish uses a bioluminescent bulb on its head to lure prey in the dark ocean depths.
Male footballfish are significantly smaller and live as parasites attached to females, providing sperm in exchange for nutrients.
The fish was not collected for study and was left on the beach per the finders' wishes.