Two rare, snake-like oarfish have washed ashore in Southern California this month, exciting marine biologists and sparking talk of an ancient Japanese myth that says a beached oarfish is a sign of an impending earthquake.

The carcass of the 4.3m (14ft) long creature was spotted by a man snorkelling in waters close to the city of Oceanside.

Last week 15 people managed to drag a 5.5m (18ft) long oarfish to the shore of Santa Catalina island.

Alastair Leithead reports.