For 2nd time in a week, a 'sea serpent' attracts gawkers on Southern California beach

OCEANSIDE, Calif. – Another 'sea serpent' has attracted gawkers on a Southern California beach.

This time the rare, snakelike oarfish washed up Friday afternoon in Oceanside.

U-T San Diego reports (http://bit.ly/19Zy2JS ) that it measured nearly 14 feet long.

While it's unusual to find the deep-water fish near shore, this is the second time in the past week that one has surfaced.

On Sunday, a snorkeler off Catalina Island found an 18-foot-long oarfish and dragged it ashore with the help of a dozen other people.

According to the Catalina Island Marine Institute, oarfish can grow to more than 50 feet, making them the longest bony fish in the world.

They are likely responsible for sea serpent legends throughout history.

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Information from: U-T San Diego, http://www.utsandiego.com