Doomsday is upon us, at least that’s what some people think following the discovery of a rare fish off the coast of California.

What Is A Doomsday Fish?

The oarfish has been given the nickname “doomsday fish” by some who believe the creature portends unfortunate events.

According to Yahoo, it is a popular belief in Japanese culture that the presence of an oarfish in shallow waters means a natural disaster such as an earthquake or tsunami is imminent. The article states “the oarfish is revered as ‘Messenger From The Sea God’s Palace’ and has gained a reputation as a harbinger of impending doom.”

One of the most notable instances of descending doom after a fish sighting was a massive earthquake rumbling the Philippines in 2017. Six oarfish were spotted in the area just prior to that according to National Geographic.

The oarfish are also known for their length with some growing up to 30-feet long.

How Rare Are Doomsday Fish In The U.S.?

The most recent doomsday fish spotting came via kayakers and snorkelers off the coast in Southern California. CBS News reported the fish, which was dead by the time if was discovered, measured approximately 12 feet in length.

Researchers who track sightings in the U.S. told CBS News that only 20 oarfish have washed up in California since 1901.

According to NBC News, a 13.5-foot oarfish last washed ashore on a southern California island in 2015. No specific “doom” was attributed to that fish spotting, although it also was dead by the time it was found in California.

When Was The Last Time A Doomsday Fish Was Discovered?

According to NextShark.com, divers spotted a giant oarfish off the northeast coast of Taiwan last summer.

Divers estimated the fish, which was found in shallow waters, measured 6-feet long.

Next Shark explains that oarfish “are deep-dwelling species that typically inhabit the mesopelagic zone, a region situated between 200 meters (approximately 658 feet) to 1,000 meters (approximately 3,280 feet) below the ocean’s surface.”

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The fish might have taken a detour while out for a swim, or there might be a more serious reason it was nowhere near deep waters.

 

We’ll have to wait to see if the most recent oarfish spotting will lead turn into catastrophe or remain folklore.

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