It may seem like something out of deep sea mythos, but a monster fish became a reality for stunned beachgoers last week.
An oarfish, a deep sea creature which has rarely - if ever - been seen alive before, washed ashore near Hacienda Beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on Friday.
Also known as a ribbon fish, is the longest bony fish in the sea - characterised by its shiny silver body and red or orange dorsal fin.
The one that turned up on Friday was believed to be about 20 feet long and drew a crowd at the beach.
Because of its size, many believe sea serpent folklore and stories of mythological sea creatures like the Loch Ness Monster originate with the oarfish.
The Pisces Fleet Sport Fishing blog reported that some locals jumped in to help the fish away from the beach, but it kept drifting back to the sand.
The blog said that park wardens quickly responded, scooping the fish out of the water, and dumping it back into the sea about two miles out before scientists could get there to take samples.
The oarfish typically resides in depths of about 3,000 feet below the surface, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service.
However, they reportedly come up to the surface of the ocean if they are sick or injured.
source: dailymail
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