Thousands of ‘Penis Fish’ Wash Ashore on Point Reyes Beach
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Drakes Beach in the Point Reyes National Seashore became overrun with thousands of worms named Urechis caupo, and when you get a good look at them, you’ll realize why they’re nicknamed “penis fish.”
The thick, 10-inch worms, most commonly seen in the oceans off Northern California, were washed ashore during last weeks storm and created a delicate scene on the popular beach. The worm is a popular food for the nearby otters, sharks and seagulls. And they’re shape make them, well, interesting to the human public.
This may just be the weirdest thing you've seen today!
— Bay Nature magazine (@BayNature) December 11, 2019
Thousands of these marine worms, called fat innkeeper worms—or "penis fish"—washed up on Drake's Beach after a recent storm. 🌊 But why? https://t.co/MwY6xkN3kb pic.twitter.com/vGMpSvGoAT
The worms peculiar shape actually performs a purpose, as the worm uses it to create U-shaped burrows in the beach to catch food. But with the storm pushing them onto the beach, seagulls and otters flocked to the beach to enjoy a large meal.
Take a look at what the Fat Inkeeper Worm looks like up close:
Read more about the lives of penis fish in the wild by reading Bay Nature’s full story.