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 massive, eel-like creature will go on display on the island (Picture: Reuters)

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.