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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Is this the biggest fish ever? Giant oarfish found off coast of southern California


The carcass of a giant fish thought to have inspired sea serpent legends throughout history needed 15 people to haul it on to a beach.

The 5.5m (18ft) oarfish was discovered by a marine science instructor while she snorkelled near Catalina Island off the coast of southern California.

Jasmine Santana, who works for the Catalina Island Marine Institute, managed to drag the creature – thought to have died of natural causes – out of the water before 15 people rushed to her aid. The oarfish, which can grow up to 15m (50ft), is rarely seen as it dives 914m (3,000ft) deep.

‘We’ve never seen a fish this big,’ said Mark Waddington, senior captain of the Tole Mour, CIMI’s training ship. The carcass is expected to be put on display for visitors to the island. - Metro UK

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