In Japanese mythology, the deep-sea-dwelling oarfish is a harbinger of impending disaster. For scientists in California, where three oarfish have washed up in recent months, it’s an exciting find.

A silvery 10-foot long creature, the oarfish has fueled fishermen’s tales of sea serpents — and in some cultures has been a portent of natural disasters.

The doomsday fish got its name because it looks like a mythical sea creature, with a long, ribbon-shaped body that can grow up to 30 feet.

During a recent walk on a San Diego beach, a woman came across a dark omen. At Grandview Beach in Encinitas, an oarfish had washed ashore – a 10-foot, serpentine, ghoul of a sea creature often called the “doomsday fish.

Considered to be the origin of the sea serpent tale, giant oarfish are a species yet to be largely researched by scientists.

What a week it’s been! But hey, we made it through. Time to crack a cold one, put up our feet, and browse the New York Times science section for something to take our minds off the news while we wind down.