Rare Oarfish Discovered by Kayakers Off Southern California Coast

The 12-foot deep-sea fish, often linked to myths of impending disasters, is under scientific investigation.

The oarfish, found dead, was transported to NOAA for a necropsy to determine the cause of death.
This is only the 20th recorded oarfish sighting in California since 1901.
Oarfish, known for their long, ribbon-like bodies, typically inhabit deep ocean waters.
Some cultures view oarfish as omens of natural disasters, though no scientific link is established.
The specimen will be studied further at the Scripps Marine Vertebrate Collection.