Although the lancet is not a particularly rare fish, it is not a common sight on American shores. His latest sighting on an Oregon beach has sparked new speculation as to why this sea creature is sometimes found close to land.

“These fish live in tropical and subtropical waters and may migrate to the northern Bering Sea in search of food,” the Oregon Wildlife Agency said in a social media post. “No one knows exactly why they are washed ashore.”

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the fish are notable for their huge eyes, teeth, and slippery body because they lack scales. They are sexual hermaphrodites and “notorious” dietary cannibals. Lancers feed on members of their own species, other fish, and invertebrates. Unlike swordfish and tuna, it is not eaten.

“He seems to be quite popular with these fish. [ο κανιβαλισμός]”, – said specialist Elan Portner. She added that little is known about the fish in question and their specific behavior, since they are not easy to observe at shallow depths, although they are found in all the oceans of the world.

The laboratory took tissue samples that could be used to further study this species.