Extremely Rare Fish From Ocean Depths Found In California

A rare 9.5-foot Pacific oarfish was found at Grandview Beach, Encinitas, California. The creature was discovered by PhD student Alison Laferriere. “We do not know the clear reason for the death of the Pacific oarfish, but changes in the marine environment, population increase, El Niño, and La Niña are variables that may be at play,” researcher Ben Frable said.

In this gallery, we take a look at the oarfish, and what myths surround it.

Oarfish can grow up to 36 feet and are believed by some to predict natural disasters like earthquakes. However, scientists have not found evidence linking them to such events.

Oarfish, the world’s longest bony fish, live at 200-1,000 meters deep. Their silvery, ribbon-like bodies and red dorsal fins have fueled many myths about sea serpents. The oarfish recently discovered was taken to Scripps Institution for study.

Oarfish feed primarily on plankton, crustaceans, and small fish, using specialized gill rakes to filter food from the water. Despite their enormous size, oarfish are not dangerous to humans.

Another oarfish was found in August near La Jolla Cove, 20 miles away. The 12-foot oarfish was found dead by kayakers and snorkelers in La Jolla.

Two days after the La Jolla oarfish discovery, a 4.6-magnitude earthquake struck Los Angeles. Despite the timing, experts emphasized that there is no proven connection between the two.