What is the Doomsday Fish?
The term “Doomsday Fish” refers to the oarfish (Regalecus glesne), a rare and mysterious deep-sea creature. Known for its long, ribbon-like body, the oarfish can grow up to 30 feet (9 meters) in length, making it the longest bony fish in the ocean. They live thousands of feet below the ocean surface and are rarely seen alive. Their elusive nature and eerie appearance have earned them a legendary status in many coastal cultures, especially in Asia.
/*The Myth and Folklore Behind the Name*/
The nickname “Doomsday Fish” is rooted in ancient Japanese folklore, where oarfish are known as ryūgū no tsukai or “messengers from the sea dragon’s palace.” Traditionally, their appearance is considered an omen of impending natural disasters like earthquakes or tsunamis. This belief gained momentum after multiple oarfish sightings occurred before Japan's devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami, reinforcing public fear and myth. This catastrophic event, measured 9.0–9.1 on the moment magnitude scale, brought widespread destruction and fatalities.
According to historical records, notable oarfish sightings include:
August 2017: Two oarfish washed ashore in the Philippines just one day before a magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck the island of Luzon on August 6, 2017.
2013: Two oarfish were found on California beaches, but no catastrophic event followed.
2024: Two large oarfish appeared in California, one in La Jolla on February 10, 2024, just before a 4.6-magnitude earthquake, and another in Encinitas.
2024-2025: Similar incidents were reported in Australia, Mexico, and the Canary Islands, sparking viral reactions online.
/*The Tamil Nadu Sighting: A Rare Catch Off the Coast of Tamil Nadu in May 2025*/
The recently caught oarfish in Tamil Nadu measured impressive dimensions, with a silvery, wavy body and a striking red crest-like fin near its head. The fish was spotted by fishermen and required multiple people to lift it due to its massive size. A video of the incident went viral on social media, sparking widespread interest and debate.
/*Scientific Perspective and Environmental Insights. */
According to research published in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America (2019), some scientists suggest that deep-sea fish such as the oarfish could be more sensitive to seismic activity underwater because they live near fault lines. Such sensitivity might lead them to come to the surface before an earthquake. However, most scientists think the connection is accidental and that oarfish are more likely to be pushed to the surface by powerful currents or illness. A study led by K. Heki in 2011 explored potential links between fish behavior and seismic activity but found no conclusive evidence.
Marine biologists assert that the timing of their strandings with natural disasters is likely coincidental. However, researchers are increasingly paying attention to these events as they may reflect broader environmental changes. Factors like climate change, ocean currents, or underwater disturbances may influence their unusual surfacing.