Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
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.
Second Oarfish In A Week Washes Ashore
For the second time in a week, a rare serpentine oarfish has surfaced on a Southern California beach, NBC reports.
The one found Friday afternoon at Oceanside Harbor wasn't quite as large as the 18-foot behemoth found near Catalina Island. This one was only 13-and-a-half feet long. It weighed an estimated 200 pounds and took 15 people to carry.
That is actually quite small for an oarfish. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, it's the largest bony fish in the sea and can grow to more than 50 feet long.
Oceanside Police Officer Mark Bussey told NBC that they received a call of a "possible dead whale stranded on the beach." Bussey recognized it from news reports of the previous oarfish. He then contacted SeaWorld San Diego and NOAA. Suzanne Kohin of NOAA Fisheries Serivice measured and took the oarfish for research.
Little is known about the species, since it's usually found thousands of feet below the surface.
Bussey said that people on the beach were "flabbergasted" to see the fish. "It's not the typical fish you see on shore," he said. Well, not until recently.
Syfy Channel is surely already prepping an "oarfish-tsunami" film.
Sponsored message
Two ‘sea serpents' found on Calif. beaches - 14-18 foot long oarfish. (AP Photo) http://t.co/qiLW6qWRTy pic.twitter.com/p68LJXfPak
— 7News DC (@7NewsDC) October 19, 2013
Related:
Rare 18-Foot Oarfish Found Off of Catalina Island
Rare Whale Washes Ashore in Venice
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
