elementary, my dear watson

I now have a better idea why the turkey vultures are vacationing at the beach. It appears to be Carrion Fisher week.


While walking along the shore, I have found the usual array of dead puffer fish along with assorted bait fish.


But last night, I found the treasure at the top of the post.


It was about the length of my arm. But I have no idea what it is.


My first guess was a new-born dolphin. The head has that distinctive look, even though the teeth do not seem correct.


And if it is a dolphin, it is one with severe birth defects. There are no flippers and the tail is not correct.


The tail is what makes me think this is a deep sea fish of some sort. All of the propulsion and motion stabilization appears to be in the tail with very limited fin structure.


The cause of death does not require Sherlock Holmes to give us an answer, though. If you look closely you can see a large fish caught in the creature's (such an Edwardian word) mouth. And without available arms on fellow fishes, the Heimlich maneuver is always out of the question.


Anyone want to toss your line into the fish-naming pool? I have run out of ideas.