With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Photos: Rare 13-Feet-Long Oarfish Washes Ashore In Catalina
It's happened again: a strange, long, slinky fish from the depths has washed ashore. On Monday morning, an oarfish—already dead—washed up on the beach of Catalina Island.
It's not clear who found it first or exactly how long it is. A pair of conservation staffers from the Catalina Island Conservancy came across the fish while they were out conducting a breeding bird survey, according to a release from the agency. Wildlife biologist snapped some great photos of conservation operations coordinator Amy Catalano posing with the huge fish. They estimated it to be 13-feet-long. It was discovered on the west end of the island near Emerald Bay.
Annie MacAulay says that she also discovered the fish while she was taking kids on educational kayaking tour of the island—she estimated it was between 14 and 17 feet long. The longtime resident told CNN that seeing the fish was quite a thrill: "Seeing the oarfish yesterday was indeed one of the highlights of my 25-year career as a marine science educator. Being able to see and touch the longest species of bony fish was amazing!"
MacAulay reported the tail was maimed as if an animal had been feeding on it and birds had been eating the creatures eyes.
Support for LAist comes from
It's rare for an oarfish to be spotted anywhere close to shore, though this isn't the first time an oarfish has washed ashore. An 18-feet-long oarfish was discovered just off the coast in October 2013. It later died and was pulled ashore. It turned out to be hosting all kinds of parasites. That same week, another oarfish washed ashore on the mainland. It turned out to be pregnant. In 2010, one washed ashore in Malibu.
Oarfish are rarely seen—dead or alive. They're typically found deep in the ocean, and very rarely near the coast. Ancient mariners who did spot them mistook them for sea serpents. They have bright red elongated dorsal fins, and long—very long—slender, silvery bodies.
It's not immediately clear how this fish died. The fish was necropsied on Catalina before being shipped off to Cal State Fullerton, according to the Conservancy.
Related:
Rare 18-Foot Oarfish Found Off of Catalina Island
Second Oarfish In A Week Washes Ashore
What Scientists Know So Far About The Mysterious Oarfish Washing Ashore
Photos Of The Parasites Inside The 18-Foot Oarfish
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist