The origin of sea serpent stories is quite literally based on sea serpents. The oarfish or scientifically known as Regalecus Glesne is a strange-looking fish. Its long body undulates like a snake, and can grow up to the length of 11 meters (36 feet) and weigh as much as 300 kilograms (660 pounds).
These deep water fish of the tropics and subtropics are rarely seen, and usually only dead or dying specimens are found washed ashore. In 1996, a team of U.S. Navy SEALs found an oarfish while training on Coronado Island off the coast of San Diego, southern California. It was 7.3 meters (24 feet) long and weighed 136 kilograms (300 pounds).
The distinctive red dorsal fins that the oarfish can raise like a bird's crest give it the dragonesque appearance that no doubt impressed ancient seafarers. They described their sightings of sea dragons and thereby contributed to the dragon lore of many cultures.
In Asia, due to its strong resemblance to the mytical creature, "Naga" or dragon, the fishermen believed that whoever caught the fish must return it back to the sea for fear of the Sea Naga King. They believed that bad luck will be bestowed upon them if they don't do so. It is said that this creature was seen beached before the Tsunami disaster happened back in 2004.
2 comments:
We saw one these that had washed up on a beach in Cabo San Lucas, Baja, Mexico, sometime between Feb. 20 and 24, 2012 It was barely alive when we first saw it, but about 1/2 hour later it was dead. No one knew what it was, not even the locals.
http://www.facebook.com/elizabeta.vukadinovic/posts/399567193461094?comment_id=2567925&ref=notif¬if_t=share_reply
what kind of fish is this ?
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