oarfish washes up on the California coastline for the second time in a week

For the second time in a week, a fish from a rarely seen species has washed up on the California coastline.

A 14-foot oarfish carcass was discovered Friday by a snorkeler off the beach in Oceanside. On Sunday, an 18-foot-long oarfish carcass was spotted off Catalina Island.

The oarfish, which can grow to more than 50 feet, is the world’s largest bony fish and lives mostly at great depths. Because of its size and menacing appearance, the oarfish may be the source of the sea serpent tales.

Oceanside police contacted SeaWorld, the Scripps Research Institute and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Employees from NOAA removed the carcass for possible study.

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