“Resembling a barracuda, this is one fish you would not expect to run across along the Oregon Coast,” the Seaside Aquarium posted on its Facebook page, referring to the longnose lancetfish (Alepisaurus ferox) found April 22 on a Seaside beach. These fish can reach 7 feet long, and weigh up to 20 pounds.  

“Little is known about the longnose lancetfish. We know they range from the southern Bering Sea to Chile, and occupy surface waters down to 6,000 feet.  

“We also know that they are not picky eaters; they are known to eat over 90 different species of marine life, including each other, and, unfortunately, are attracted to plastics …” 

A necropsy was performed, since “by studying what the longnose lancetfish is eating, scientists can better understand how the marine food web changes over time (if at all).”

“… For some reason, in the spring and summer a handful of these guys wash ashore on Oregon beaches. The aquarium often gets a call when someone comes across one of these odd-looking fish, wondering exactly what it is that they have found.” And now you know. (Photo: Seaside Aquarium)