Beachgoers in North Carolina were startled by a dangerous-looking lancetfish that washed up on the beach this week, Fox News reported.

The wide-mouthed, long-toothed fish that inhabits the deep ocean and is rarely seen was spotted on Nags Head Beach, where people snapped pictures of it and then released it back into the wild on Monday.

The fish reportedly had to be released twice because it washed up on shore again and was likely ill, according to WISTV.com.

Similar to yellowfin tuna and swordfish, the lancetfish is distinct for its set of fangs; the fierce-looking species can grow to more than 6 feet long, the Daily Mail reported.

Daryl Law, an aquarium worker at the pier, and Leif Rasmussen managed to take a few pictures before releasing the fish back into the wild. Posted on the Jennette's Pier Facebook page, the unusual-looking fish drew plenty of likes and comments from sea enthusiasts and curious onlookers.

Characterized by a large, sail-like dorsal fin, the lancetfish is known for its gruesome habit of snacking on its own species, oceanographers say. The cannibalistic creature eats crabs but a significant portion of its natural diet comes from other lancet fish. Their diet is also believed to include squid and other fish, KDVR.com reported.

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