Those who guessed "swordfish" appear to have been correct.
That's the consensus among Florida scientists who examined the so-called "mystery eyeball," which was discovered last Wednesday on Pompano Beach.
"Experts on site and remotely have viewed and analyzed the eye, and based on its color, size and structure, along with the presence of bone around it, we believe the eye came from a swordfish," said Joan Herrera, a researcher for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "Based on straight-line cuts visible around the eye, we believe it was removed by a fisherman and discarded."
Genetic testing will be performed to confirm the identification.
The eyeball is about the size of a softball and its discovery became a major story. Theories abounded as to what type of creature had previously owned the eyeball.
Marlin, swordfish, giant squid, whales and even bigeye thresher sharks were mentioned as marine species with large eyeballs.
Some guesses were more elaborate. Stated one person on the FWC's Facebook page: "A giant squid ripped out a whale's eye."
Now, after close examination, scientists at the FWC's research lab say they "believe" the eyeball belonged to a swordfish.
Until genetic testing is complete, however, there will remain at least a shadow of doubt.
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