Discovering a fish in the ocean is not particularly unusual, but encountering an oarfish might cause some concern.
In California, a 12-foot oarfish, also known as the ‘Doomsday fish’ or ‘Harbinger of doom’, was found dead in the ocean just two days before an earthquake struck.
The deep-sea fish, scientifically named Regalecus glesne, are notable for their long, ribbon-like bodies. These fish can grow up to 50 feet in length and are typically found at depths of 3,000 feet.
Although their size alone is startling, the superstitions and anxieties associated with them make their appearance even more alarming.
These fish are rarely seen or captured due to their deep-sea habitat, but when they do appear, it is often believed to be an ominous sign.
As per the Ocean Conservancy, they are sometimes referred to as the ‘doomsday fish’ because folklore suggests that seeing them indicates an impending natural disaster like a significant earthquake.
In this recent instance, the massive oarfish was observed by kayakers and snorkelers exploring San Diego’s La Jolla Cove.
Just 48 hours later, a 4.6 magnitude earthquake rattled Los Angeles.
The earthquake occurred on Monday (August 12) and was centered near the Highland Park neighborhood of LA.
Although buildings shook and car alarms were triggered, there was no significant damage or injuries reported.
At the time of the oarfish’s discovery, those in the water did not seem alarmed, taking photos with the fish, but they did report the finding.
They notified UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, which is now investigating to determine the cause of the fish’s death and why its body appeared in shallow waters.
This sighting is not the only one in 2024; earlier this year, a 12.5-foot oarfish washed up on a beach in the Philippines.
In 2022, a 16-foot oarfish was discovered in Japan just days before nine million people had to be evacuated ahead of a typhoon.
In 2010, around a dozen oarfish washed ashore prior to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, reinforcing the belief in the superstition surrounding these fish.
In California, oarfish sightings are particularly rare. Records from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography indicate that only 20 oarfish have washed up in the state since 1901.
Typically, the fish are found dead rather than alive, which has made studying and understanding them challenging.
Ben Frable, manager of the Marine Vertebrate Collection, noted: “People have studied them, but we’ve very rarely interacted with them alive in their natural habitat.
“It’s always been a fish of interest, this long, beautiful silver fish. It definitely looks fanciful; it evokes the sea serpent mythology.”