What is the ‘Doomsday Fish’?
Introduction
The oarfish, a deep-sea, ribbon-shaped creature, is not commonly seen on shore, but when it does, some believe it could be a sign of impending doom. This fish is often referred to as the “doomsday fish”.
The Oarfish
The “doomsday fish” can grow up to 30 feet long and typically resides in the mesopelagic zone of the ocean, making a sighting of the massive creature extremely rare. Oarfish are filter feeders, meaning they eat krill, plankton, and other small creatures. They float vertically and use their reflective bodies as a type of camouflage. The fish also have clusters of red spines sticking out from its back.
Ancient Japanese Legend
In Japanese, the oarfish is called “ryūgū no tsukai”, which can be translated to “Messengers from the Sea God’s Palace”. According to Yokai, an online database of Japanese folklore, the ryūgū no tsukai is described as a large fish with a human head and horns. It can have long hair or a beard and grow to be 18 meters long, giving off light.
Modern Sightings and Earthquakes
As the legend tells it, these prophetic fish appeared on the coasts of Japan and brought news of a deadly disease that would only spare those who saw a portrait of the creature or those who heard its message. In recent history, the “message” these fish are said to bring is that of pending disasters, most notably earthquakes.
In 2011, the strongest earthquake ever to hit Japan also triggered a tsunami, which caused a nuclear disaster at a plant in Fukushima. The earthquake and tsunami killed more than 20,000 people. According to reports, several oarfish were reported on Japanese shores leading up to the earthquake.
Recent Sightings and Earthquakes
In 2024, an oarfish washed up near San Diego and just two days later, an earthquake hit the area. A similar occurrence happened in Grandview Beach in Southern California, with the sighting of the doomsday fish happening in November and an earthquake striking the area in December of the same year.
Conclusion
Despite the occasional sightings of these deep-sea creatures and earthquakes, researchers are chalking it up to superstition. The Ocean Conservancy adds that when a fish that typically resides deep in the ocean comes to the surface, it could be a sign that the animal is disoriented, sick, or could be dying.
FAQs
* What is the “doomsday fish”?
The “doomsday fish” is the oarfish, a deep-sea, ribbon-shaped creature that is rarely seen on shore.
* What is the legend surrounding the oarfish?
According to Japanese folklore, the oarfish is a messenger from the sea god’s palace and is said to bring news of impending disasters, including earthquakes.
* Are there any recorded instances of the oarfish being associated with earthquakes?
Yes, there have been several reported instances of oarfish washing up on Japanese shores before major earthquakes, including the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan, and in 2024, an oarfish was found in California before an earthquake struck the area.
