Fishermen and sailors sometimes claim to have seen monsters in the sea. Though
people have often laughed at stories told by seamen, it is now known that many
of these 'monsters' which have at times been sighted are simply strange fish.
Occasionally, unusual creatures are washed to the shore, but they are rarely
caught out at sea. Some time ago, however, a peculiar fish was caught near
Madagascar. A small fishing boat was carried miles out to sea by the powerful
fish as it pulled on the line. Realizing that this was no ordinary fish, the
fisherman made every effort not to damage it in any way. When it was
eventually brought to shore, it was found to be over thirteen feet long. It
had a head like a horse, big blue eyes, shining silver skin, and a bright red
tail, The fish, which has since been sent to a museum where it is being
examined by a scientist, is called an oarfish. Such creatures have rarely been
seen alive by man as they live at a depth of six hundred feet.&