The Rare Encounter with an Oarfish in La Jolla Cove
On August 10, kayakers and snorkelers in La Jolla Cove stumbled upon a rare discovery – a deep-sea oarfish that had washed up on the shore. This oarfish, measuring 12.25 feet long and weighing 74.3 pounds, was a sight to behold, as it is only the 20th of its species recorded to have washed up on California beaches since 1901.
A Closer Look at the Oarfish
After the fish was transported to the NOAA Fisheries’ Southwest Fisheries Science Center in La Jolla, a team of scientists from UC San Diego, Cal State Fullerton, and NOAA conducted a necropsy to examine the mysterious creature. The oarfish, often described as sea serpents in history, can grow up to 30 feet in length, making them the longest bony fish in the world.
Unveiling the Mysteries of the Oarfish
The necropsy revealed fascinating details about the oarfish, including its unique physical characteristics and potential ecological roles. The scientists collected samples for genomic analysis, stable isotopes, and genetic barcoding to better understand the oarfish’s foraging ecology and reproductive status.
Promoting Conservation and Understanding
The discovery of this oarfish specimen not only sheds light on the elusive creature but also contributes to conservation efforts and enhances our understanding of marine ecosystems. The fish will be preserved and added to the Marine Vertebrate Collection at Scripps, allowing future generations of researchers to learn from it.
Get Involved and Learn More
If you ever come across a unique marine creature on the beach, don’t hesitate to alert local authorities. As the interest in the oarfish continues to grow, the Birch Aquarium has opened a temporary exhibit showcasing more information on this remarkable species. Visitors can admire a life-size “gyotaku” art print of the oarfish, created by artist Dwight Hwang after the necropsy.
Let’s continue to marvel at the wonders of the ocean and work together to protect these extraordinary creatures for generations to come.
