Rare 12-Foot Oarfish Discovered by Scientists Off Southern California Coast

Over the weekend, kayakers off the coast of Southern California encountered a rare and fascinating sight: a large silver oarfish near La Jolla Shores, south of Torrey Pines. Measuring 12 feet long, the oarfish was already dead when it was discovered by the group. The kayakers, along with snorkelers, were able to pull the fish to shore for further examination, where its massive size and unusual appearance garnered attention.

Remarkably, the kayakers and snorkelers were scientists from the nearby Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. The discovery of this oarfish presents a unique research opportunity for these scientists. A spokesperson from Scripps referred to the oarfish as a “mysterious species” and indicated that the fish will be preserved as part of the institute’s marine life collection. This find is particularly significant given the rarity of oarfish sightings.

Due to the size and weight of the oarfish, a team of people was required to transport the fish from the water to a vehicle for transfer to the research facility. The scientists are eager to study the fish in more detail and hope to uncover why it was found near the shore and what environmental factors may have led to its surfacing.

Oarfish are known for their deep-sea habitat, typically living more than 3,000 feet below the surface. They are rarely seen by humans, as they usually patrol the ocean’s dark depths. Although they have been spotted occasionally since the 1700s, much about these creatures remains unknown. Adult oarfish can grow up to 30 feet long, making them some of the largest fish in the ocean, and their appearance at the surface is an unusual event.

Globally, oarfish have developed a reputation as omens of bad luck or natural disasters. They are often referred to as “doomsday fish,” and in Japanese culture, they are seen as messengers from the Sea God’s Palace. This mystique adds to the fascination surrounding their appearance, and researchers at Scripps will undoubtedly explore whether there are any deeper meanings behind the recent discovery.