Rare Oarfish Found Off the Coast of San Diego
In a rare discovery, a group of snorkelers and kayakers stumbled upon the carcass of a 12-foot-long oarfish in La Jolla Bay, north of downtown San Diego. The silvery creature, known for its snake-like appearance, was brought ashore for further study by marine experts from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Significance of the Oarfish Discovery
Ben Frable, the fish expert at Scripps, noted that this is only the 20th time an oarfish has washed up in California since 1901. Oarfish have a mythical reputation as predictors of natural disasters or earthquakes, although this correlation has not been scientifically proven. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration states that oarfish can grow to over 20 feet and typically inhabit the deep, lightless mesopelagic zone of the ocean.
Autopsy Planned to Determine Cause of Death
The oarfish found in La Jolla Bay was transported to shore with the help of bathers using paddleboards and then transferred to a pickup truck. Scientists from NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center and Scripps are planning to conduct an autopsy on Friday to determine the cause of death. This examination will provide valuable insights into the health and habits of these elusive deep-sea creatures.
