Hundreds of people flocked to Southern California beaches overnight as the annual grunion run brought waves of small silvery fish ashore to spawn.

The scene at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro around midnight on Friday drew families, fishing enthusiasts and curious onlookers hoping to catch a glimpse or a handful of the unique seasonal event.

Grunion, which typically measure about five to seven inches long, are known for their unusual spawning behavior, according to wildlife officials. During spring and summer nights tied to high tides and lunar cycles, the fish come completely out of the water to lay their eggs in the wet sand.

Unlike traditional fishing, state regulations require that grunion be caught by hand only, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The current limit allows up to 30 fish per person per day, and harvesting is only permitted during specific open seasons.

The spectacle even attracted some unexpected participants, including a raccoon spotted darting along the shoreline and joining in the feeding frenzy.

Grunion runs are unpredictable but often occur in large numbers, sometimes drawing hundreds of people to beaches across the region. The spawning window is brief and typically lasts just a couple of hours during peak nights.

According to forecasts, the next peak nights for grunion activity are expected Friday and Saturday.

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