Scientists are intrigued by the discovery of a rarely seen oarfish off the San Diego coast

SAN DIEGO — A rarely seen deep sea fish resembling a serpent was found floating dead on the ocean surface off the San Diego coast and was brought ashore for study, marine experts said.

The silvery, 12-foot-long oarfish was found last weekend by a group of snorkelers and kayakers in La Jolla Cove, north of downtown San Diego, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography said in a statement. It’s only the 20th time an oarfish is known to have washed up in California since 1901, according to institution fish expert Ben Frable.

Scripps noted that oarfish have a mythical reputation as predictors of natural disasters or earthquakes, although no correlation has been proven. Oarfish can grow longer than 20 feet and normally live in a deep part of the ocean called the mesopelagic zone, where light cannot reach, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Swimmers brought the La Jolla Cove oarfish to shore atop a paddleboard. It was then transferred to the bed of a pickup truck. Scientists from NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center and Scripps planned a necropsy on Friday to try to determine the cause of death.

The discovery of the oarfish has sparked interest and curiosity among researchers and the public alike. These deep-sea creatures are rarely seen, making each sighting a valuable opportunity for scientists to learn more about their behavior and biology.

The oarfish’s elongated, serpent-like appearance has earned it the nickname „sea serpent“ among sailors and fishermen. Its slender body and long dorsal fin give it a mysterious and otherworldly appearance that has captured the imagination of many.

Despite their intimidating appearance, oarfish are actually gentle giants of the deep sea. They are known to feed on small fish and plankton, using their long, ribbon-like bodies to move gracefully through the water. Their unique biology and behavior make them a fascinating subject of study for marine biologists.

The necropsy conducted by scientists will provide valuable insights into the oarfish’s health and potential causes of death. By examining the fish’s internal organs and tissues, researchers can determine if any underlying health issues or environmental factors contributed to its demise.

Overall, the discovery of the oarfish off the San Diego coast serves as a reminder of the diverse and mysterious marine life that inhabits our oceans. As scientists continue to study and learn more about these deep-sea creatures, we gain a greater understanding of the intricate ecosystems that support life on Earth.