This rare 3m deep sea oarfish has washed up on the salt marsh at Aramoana.
The serpent-like ”bizarre” marine specimen can grow to 11m long, live in deep water and seem to come up to feed on the surface. Or is it another sign of an uncoming earthquake?
At least it is pretty unusual to find an oarfish washed up in a cold water area.
According to marine biologists, oarfish hang vertically in deep water and are known to ”self-amputate” by biting off its own tail.
And it is a mystery why it is behaving this way!
Myths have surrounded the fish. People are mistaking it for a sea serpent. There has even been a suggestion the Loch Ness Monster could be an oarfish.
Well, hopefully this beaching is not a sign of an impending quake.
