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Several small striped native fish from Japan were recovered alive from a small boat that are believed to be part of the debris from 2011 tsunami.

The striped beakfish are thought to have survived on other organisms in the boat during the nearly 5,000-mile trip to Washington state.

The five fish lived in a spot at the back of the boat.

"A 20 to 30-gallon containment hold in the boat's stern lost its cover, and that part of the boat was submerged as the vessel drifted in the ocean," said Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife scientist Allen Pleus.

Pleus said it's common that debris in the ocean attracts fish, so it’s not special these fish found a home in the debris. But it is surprising they survived the nearly 5,000-mile journey.

Four out of the five striped beakfish were euthanized to decrease the risk of bringing invasive species to Washington state.

The surviving beakfish went on display this Saturday at the Seaside aquarium. The aquarium is a privately owned aquarium in Seaside, Oregon. It is one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast.

The euthanized four fish had the honor of contributing to research at Oregon State University, where researchers will dissect them to investigate and study their ages and what they've been eating to survive such a long trip.

Sea anemones, scallops, crabs, worms and sea cucumbers that took a ride on the same boat also will be studied and investigated.

The boat with the name "Saisho-Maru" was removed from the beach.