First Sighting in Oregon: A rare Pacific football fish washed ashore on an Oregon beach, marking the first recorded sighting in the state.
Deep-Sea Dweller: These fish inhabit depths of 2,000 to 3,300 feet, living in complete darkness.
Unique Light Source: The Pacific football fish uses a phosphorescent bulb on its forehead to attract prey.
Rare Specimen: Only 31 specimens have been recorded worldwide in locations including New Zealand, Japan, and California.
Significant Discovery: This find is notable for being the first of its kind reported along the Oregon coast.
Sexual Dimorphism: Males are 10 times smaller than females and undergo significant physical changes, including the loss of eyes and internal organs.
Parasitic Males: Male Pacific football fish rely on females for nutrients, functioning like parasites.
Reproductive Role: In return, males provide females with a continuous supply of sperm, though how they locate females in darkness remains unknown.
Educational Opportunity: The discovery provides valuable insights into the species and deep-sea ecosystems, highlighting the importance of marine research.