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.

Yet another oarfish -- a super rare fish commonly referred to as the "doomsday fish" -- was recently found dead in California, according to researchers.

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.

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.

This is the third oarfish discovered in Southern California this year. The first was back in August near the La Jolla Shores. The one recovered in Encinitas was a little smaller than the first, measuring about 9 to 10 feet long. Another oarfish was discovered in Huntington Beach in September.

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.