The elusive deep-water oarfish – considered to be a harbinger of bad news – was spotted yet again on the shores of Encinitas, California. It was the state’s third spotting of the species in the last three months, and only the 22nd over the past century.

Two incredibly rare - and incredibly strange - oarfish have washed up on California beaches this year. Before now, only 18 had been documented on beaches in the state since 1901. Scientists say changing ocean conditions could have something to do with it.

This month's sighting was only the 21st time the fish has been documented to have washed up in California since 1901, according to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.