A rare sighting of a live oarfish, often referred to as the “doomsday fish,” has stirred curiosity and age-old superstitions after it washed ashore on February 9 at Playa El Quemado in Baja California Sur, Mexico. The appearance of the deep-sea giant, typically found at depths of up to 3,000 feet, has reignited folklore linking the species to impending natural disasters, particularly earthquakes.
Robert Hayes, a tourist visiting Playa El Quemado, described the unusual event. “We saw this huge, silvery fish struggling in shallow waters,” Hayes told AccuWeather. “The fish swam straight at us, lifting its head above the water as if trying to get our attention.” Despite multiple attempts by Hayes and other beachgoers to guide the fish back into the ocean, the oarfish returned to the shore each time.
The sight of an oarfish near the beach is a rare occurrence due to their deep-sea habitat. Hayes and his companions expressed awe at the fish’s size and unusual behavior, capturing the moment on video before local authorities arrived to secure the area.
Symbolism and Superstition: The ‘Doomsday Fish’
The oarfish, known for its long, ribbon-like body that can stretch up to 36 feet, has long been a subject of fascination and fear. Japanese folklore holds that oarfish, also known as “Ryugu no tsukai” (messengers from the sea god’s palace), are harbingers of earthquakes and tsunamis.
This belief became widespread after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan. In the months leading up to the disaster, more than 20 oarfish washed ashore along Japan’s coast. While there is no scientific evidence directly linking oarfish sightings to seismic activity, their reputation as predictors of disaster persists.
Recent Sightings and Natural Disasters
The latest sighting in Mexico follows a similar event in November 2024, when an oarfish washed ashore on Grandview Beach in California. Just a month later, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck the region, prompting tsunami warnings. This pattern of sightings followed by seismic activity has fueled ongoing speculation about the fish’s ability to sense tectonic shifts or other deep-sea disturbances.
While scientists acknowledge the oarfish’s mysterious nature, most experts remain skeptical of any link to natural disasters. The Ocean Conservancy states that oarfish may rise to shallower waters due to illness, changes in ocean currents, or disruptions to their deep-sea habitat.
However, the timing of certain sightings has led some researchers to consider the possibility that oarfish may be sensitive to seismic activity in the deep ocean, though this theory remains unproven.
Local Reactions and Precautions
In Baja California Sur, news of the oarfish sighting quickly spread across social media. Some residents expressed concern, urging authorities to remain vigilant for any signs of seismic activity. Local marine biologists have been dispatched to examine the fish and assess any potential environmental changes that could have caused it to wash ashore.
For now, the oarfish’s unexpected appearance remains a source of both fascination and unease a reminder of the mysteries that still lurk in the depths of the ocean. Whether seen as a harbinger of doom or a mere deep-sea traveler out of its element, the creature has once again captured the imagination of all who encountered it.
