The spoon worm, also known as the penis fish, washed ashore along the beaches of Argentina after a storm, attracting fishermen to collect them as bait.
Remains of spoon worms on Multillar beach. (Photo: Jam Press).
Countless spoon worms, scientifically known as Urechis unicinctus, were washed onto Multillar Beach in northern Rio Grande, Argentina, after a major storm on the afternoon of July 17, according to Mail. Local fishermen flocked to the beach to collect these sea worms, as they are excellent bait, especially for black sea bass fishing.
This is not an uncommon phenomenon in Argentina. Previously, they have also washed ashore on the southern coast of the country during stormy weather. In 2019, these creatures covered the beaches of California, USA.
Measuring about 25 cm in length, spoon worms usually bury themselves in the sand, but storms and high waves can easily dislodge them from their habitats and wash them ashore. They dig U-shaped burrows on the seabed, allowing other creatures to enter. Fossil evidence shows that spoon worms have existed on Earth for 300 million years. An individual can live up to 25 years, primarily feeding on bacteria and plankton. They are preyed upon by larger fish, sharks, seagulls, otters, and even humans.
“U. unicinctus is completely harmless to humans as it has no teeth and feels very pleasant to the touch. Moreover, in Asian countries, they are consumed as food, and can be eaten raw or cooked in various ways,” said Russian researcher Igor Adameyko.
People in South Korea, Japan, and China often eat spoon worms raw with salt and sesame oil. They are considered a nutritious delicacy due to their high amino acid content. Their taste is very mild and resembles that of oysters.
