Rare ‘doomsday fish’ associated with impending disasters spotted in Mexico

• A deep-sea oarfish was spotted in shallow waters off the coast of Mexico. This species has historically been linked to Japanese myths which say its rare appearances are an omen of impending natural disasters, though no scientific evidence supports this claim.
• Known as a “doomsday fish,” their connection to coming danger gained modern-day traction in 2011 when multiple oarfish washed ashore in Japan during the months preceding a devastating earthquake and tsunami that killed over 18,000 people.
• Experts suggest environmental factors, such as El Niño and La Niña cycles, may be influencing oarfish behavior, potentially leading to sightings in shallower waters like this one.

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A rare deep-sea fish, often associated with folklore linking its appearances to impending natural disasters, was recently spotted off the coast of Mexico. Earlier this month, an oarfish was seen swimming in shallow waters at a beach in Baja California Sur.

Why is this oarfish sighting so rare?

Beachgoers attempted multiple times to return the fish to deeper waters, but it repeatedly swam back toward the shore. This marks just the 23rd recorded sighting of the elusive species in this region since 1901.

Oarfish can inhabit ocean depths exceeding 3,000 feet and can grow up to 56 feet in length, weighing as much as 600 pounds.

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Why are oarfish associated with natural disasters?

These deep-sea dwellers have been referred to as “doomsday fish,” a nickname that comes from Japanese legends dating back to the 8th century that say sightings of this sea creature serve as an omen of impending danger.

This belief gained traction in modern times after multiple oarfish washed ashore in Japan during the months leading up to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami that hit the nation, resulting in over 18,000 deaths.

However, scientists have not established a direct link between oarfish strandings and seismic activity, though some researchers suggest that deep-sea fish like it may be sensitive to underwater disturbances.

What else may be affecting oarfish behavior?

Ben Frable, manager of the Scripps Oceanography Marine Vertebrate Collection, previously noted that changing ocean conditions could also contribute to increased oarfish sightings.

Environmental shifts, including those associated with El Niño and La Niña weather cycles, may play a role in their movement toward shallower waters.

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Meanwhile, beachgoers who found the oarfish in Mexico checked it for injuries and reportedly planned to take it to a marine biologist for further examination.