Earthquake rumors over giant oarfish mystery

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24546693

Two giant snake-like fish (oarfish) washed up onto Californian beaches in recent days may have died as a result of seismic activity under the seabed that occurs days or weeks before an earthquake, scientists say.

These giant snake-like fish are linked to a Japanese myth that says when they come ashore, an earthquake will follow. In the land of the San Andreas Fault, people listen more carefully to harbingers of doom.  Scientists are also testing the fish for radiation after leaks at Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant which could have crossed the Pacific ocean.