Baffling scenes as thousands of 'penis fish' wash up on beach
The wriggly pink worms earned the cheeky moniker due to their phallic appearance.
Thousands of "penis fish" have washed up on a beach in Argentina baffling locals who were "freaked out" by the strange sight.
The wriggly, pink worms are usually buried in the ocean floor but washed up onto the beach in Río Grande last week after a heavy storm battered the region.
The unusual-looking sea creatures, formally called Urechis Unicinctus, earned the cheeky moniker due to their phallic appearance. The sausage-like creatures were about 10 inches (25 cm) in length with photos showing the animal piled up along the shoreline.
The creatures are a type of spoonworm and are also called 'The Fat Innkeeper Worm'. They create U-shaped burrows in sand or mud that are then left for other animals to move into, hence the 'innkeeper' in its name.
While the sight has baffled the internet, with photos being shared online, they're not uncommon in some parts of Asia, particularly after torrential weather. The worms are said to make great bait while fishing for seabass too, so when they're washed ashore fishermen often go running.
'Penis fish' a delicacy in many countries
When brought to the surface, the "penis fish" are exposed to predators including sharks and seagulls. But the worms are a common delicacy in parts of Asia too.
In countries such as South Korea, Japan and China they are eaten raw or cooked in a variety of different styles. They are said to have a chewy texture and are surprisingly sweet, often served with a savoury sauce made from sesame oil or vinegar with gochujang.
Previously, thousands of Chinese residents were filmed flocking to catch penis fish that had blown onto the beach in Yantai, eastern China. Some were using fishing nets and buckets to scoop up the lewd-looking creatures often used in Chinese cuisine.
Quick facts about penis fish:
Small fish and crustaceans often live inside the U-shaped tunnels formed by this worm.
Penis fish exude a mucous net they use to capture plankton, bacteria, and detritus.
Evidence of their U-shaped burrows dates back over 300 million years.
A penis fish can live up to 25 years, but few survive that long.
In Korea, penis fish are called "gaebul”
Jam Press
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
