An oarfish, known for dwelling in the ocean’s depths, has been found again off the coast of California, USA, within a year. Popularly referred to as the “doomsday fish,” it is surrounded by myths connecting it to the prediction of earthquakes and tsunamis.
The specimen, measuring about 3 meters long, was discovered dead on the beach of Encinitas in Southern California by a doctoral student. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California highlighted that such sightings are extremely rare — only 24 occurrences have been recorded in the region over the past 120 years.
Scientists plan to conduct a necropsy to determine the cause of the fish’s death and use the opportunity to deepen their understanding of its biology and behavior. “Like the previously found oarfish, this specimen will allow us to learn more about the anatomy, genomics, and life cycle of this enigmatic species,” said Ben Frable, manager of the Scripps Marine Vertebrate Collection.
Myths About the Oarfish and Natural Disasters
The belief that the oarfish is related to natural disasters originates from Japanese folklore. According to the tradition, the species rises to the surface when disturbed by seismic activity in the deep ocean.
This myth gained traction in 2011, when several oarfish appeared off the coast of Japan shortly before the earthquake and tsunami that struck Fukushima, causing devastation and thousands of deaths.
However, scientific studies have dismissed any direct connection between the oarfish’s behavior and seismic events.
The Giant of the Depths
Living at depths ranging from 200 to 1,000 meters, the oarfish is rarely seen at the surface. Due to its elongated appearance, it is also known as the “sea serpent.” The species can reach an impressive length of 17 meters and weigh over 200 kilograms.
Although the myth persists, its appearance continues to fascinate scientists and marine life enthusiasts, fueling curiosity about the mysteries that still lie hidden in the ocean’s depths.
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