2 oarfish
© St. Bernard Tourism Office2 oarfish
Two oarfishes were found in the PASAHIMAPA Mangrove Protected Area in Sitio Ma. Socorro, Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte on Wednesday morning.

Tourism officer Jane Araneta said three oarfishes were earlier sighted in the area, but that one has yet to be found.

Araneta said dolphins and whale sharks would usually be seen in the bay area, but added that it was the first time for this type of fish to be found in town.

Officials said the first oarfish measured 27 cm by 3.75 m, with a weight of 20 kilos, while the other measured 37 cm by 4.4 m with a weight of 50 kilos.

2 oarfish
© St. Bernard Tourism Office2 oarfish
The oarfishes are set to be buried this afternoon.

Some experts believe that deep-sea fish are capable of sensing tremors on the Earth's crust. In an article published by the Japan Times, ecological seismology specialist Kiyoshi Wadatsumi said oarfishes are more sensitive to the movement of faults.

This is the fourth time an oarfish washed ashore in Southern Leyte this year.

In March, at least 5 separate incidents of oarfish stranding were reported in different beaches across the country.

2 oarfish
© St. Bernard Tourism Office2 oarfish