In a strange turn of events, over thousands of ‘penis fish’ have been left exposed after they washed up on a California beach.
The pink sausage-like creatures called echiura worm are normally found in burrows at the bottom of the sea. But a recent storm is known to have washed them ashore.
The penis fish were discovered covering the Drakes Beach, in Inverness, by a marine biologist by the name of Ivan Parr on December 6.
He also wrote in science publication Bay Nature that the same explanation had been also seen on other coastlines like Pajaro Dunes, Moss Landing, Bodega Bay, and Princeton Harbor.
Mr Parr continued: ‘I’ve heard my share of imaginative theories from beachcombers, such as flotsam of a wrecked bratwurst freighter.
‘In truth, these are living denizens of our beaches rudely, yet also mercifully, mostly called “fat innkeeper worms”.’
Measuring 10-inch, the sea worms can live up to 25 years, and survive by eating plankton, bacteria and other tiny particles at the bottom of the sea.
However, sightings of the worm may be very rare in the US, but the ‘penis fish’ is known to be a delicacy in countries like South Korea, Japan and China.
The flesh can be consumed cooked or raw and is often served with a savoury sauce which is made from sesame oil or vinegar.
People who have eaten this before have stated it as salty and chewy.