The Birch Aquarium in La Jolla has placed an 11-foot oarfish on display after it washed up dead in Encinitas. This rare sight, following a 12-foot specimen found in La Jolla earlier, has captivated visitors, particularly children, who are curious about the creature. Oarfish are deep-water fish seldom seen at the surface, with fewer than 25 found on California beaches since 1901. The fish's appearance ties to folklore linking them to impending disasters, though scientists have debunked these beliefs. The staff preserved the fish to further educate the public about its unique biology.
The interest in oarfish surged after the dramatic discoveries of two dead specimens along the San Diego coastline, stirring both scientific curiosity and folklore narratives about doom.
With fewer than 25 oarfish recorded on California beaches since 1901, these recent finds have captivated local and scientific communities, fostering a renewed fascination with deep-sea creatures.
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