A piece of nightmare fuel that washed up in Orange County is going on display in L.A.
A rare female Pacific footballfish was discovered in May at Crystal Cove State Park, and since then the deceased deep-sea anglerfish has passed into the Natural History Museum’s collection. Now, the Exposition Park institution will put the black, goopy-looking specimen (one of only 30 such in museum collections around the world) on display throughout the fall.
This type of anglerfish typically spends its days between 1,000 and 4,000 feet underwater, so there’s not a ton that scientists know about it. We do know, though, that they use their bioluminescent lure to attract small fish and shred them to pieces with their sharp, thin teeth. This particular one arrived at the museum frozen and was then preserved in formaldehyde, so eventually its dark pigment will fade over time—so see it now.
In order to protect the specimen, the exhibition space will be pretty dark, but you’ll also be able to scope out a Japanese gyotaku (a traditional fish rubbing print) created by artists Dwight and Hazel Hwang to better observe the finer details.
The anglerfish will be on display from August 25 to November 29, and access is included in regular museum admission (advance tickets are recommended).
