A rare deep-sea oarfish, also known as a paddlefish, ribbon fish, earthquake fish, and other names, has washed ashore for the second time this year on the coast of San Diego County. This event has provided scientists with the opportunity to study this species without delving deep into the ocean. The oarfish has a long, scaleless, ribbon-like silver body with dark spots and a long red dorsal fin crest extending from the top of its head.
Last week, a deceased oarfish measuring 9.5 feet in length was discovered by Dr. Alison Laferriere, a PhD student at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, on Grandview Beach in Encinitas. This marks the 21st recorded instance of an oarfish washing up on a California beach since 1901.
Earlier this year, a 12.25-foot oarfish washed ashore in La Jolla Cove in August and was discovered by kayakers and snorkelers.
According to a report, the manager of the Scripps Oceanography Marine Vertebrate Collection, Ben Frable, contacted the West Coast team of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA Fisheries) to retrieve the specimen and transport it to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center.
Frable stated, “We collected the specimen and froze it for further study and eventual preservation in the Marine Vertebrate Collection. Like the previous oarfish, this specimen and its samples will provide us with valuable insights into the species’ biology, anatomy, genomics, and life history.”
Frable mentioned that it is currently unclear why two rare oarfish washed ashore in the area. He said, “This may be related to changes in ocean conditions and an increase in the number of oarfish near our coast. Many researchers have suggested this is the reason for deep-sea fish washing up on beaches.”
“Sometimes this may be related to broader changes, such as El Niño and La Niña cycles, but not always. A weak El Niño occurred earlier this year. The event of these fish washing ashore coincided with last week’s red tide and Santa Ana winds, but many variables could lead to these fish washing up on shore.”
Oarfish are often described as sea serpents, capable of growing up to 30 feet in length, and are the longest bony fish in the world. In ancient folklore, oarfish were believed to predict natural disasters and earthquakes.
If unusual or rare marine life is found on a beach, it is recommended to notify local lifeguards. In Southern California, the public can inform the Scripps Institution of Oceanography through [email protected] or 858-534-3624. Many beaches may be marine protected areas, and capturing organisms (whether alive or dead) is illegal.