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.