A second rare “sea serpent” has washed up in California, Reuters reports. This is the second oarfish carcass to wash up in the Golden State in less than a week. This particular oarfish was found on Friday on a beach in Oceanside, while the first oarfish was discovered five days ago by a snorkeler off Santa Catalina Island.

According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, the oarfish lives at great depths to 3,280 feet, but usually to depths of 656 feet. It is sometimes discovered stranded upon beaches after violent storms or near the surface when hurt or dying.

The museum notes that the presence of this giant “sea monster” near the water’s surface has resulted in many legendary stories of oarfish sightings during ancient times by mariners and beachgoers.

Although researchers know very little about the oarfish’s habits, they do know that the oarfish swims by waving its long dorsal fin while its body stays straight. The oarfish is also thought to live a solitary life.

Scientists aren’t sure why two sea serpents have washed up in California in such a short time frame.

“It may have happened some place on Earth before but it certainly doesn’t happen very often,” said Milton Love, a research biologist at the University of California in Santa Barbara, according to Reuters.

Mark Waddington, the senior captain of Catalina Island Marine Institute’s sailing school vessel the “Tole Mour,” told CNN that the Catalina Island Marine Institute is sending some of the oarfish’s tissue samples to Love and other scientists so that they can examine its DNA and determine its feeding habits.

Waddington also said that the organization is likely to keep the skeleton for educational purposes.

The Florida Museum of Natural History adds that the oarfish has zero commercial value because of its deep water residence and poor quality of meat which is gelatinous and thought to be inedible. The sea serpent, however, is thought of as a gamefish by some fishermen.

What do you think of the oarfish discovery? Why has a second rare “sea monster” washed up in California in less than a week? Start a conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments section.