A giant oarfish, also known as the doomsday fish, was discovered dead on the shores of Empacadora (Old Tuna Cannery) beach, drawing crowds and stirring local superstitions. The cause of the fish’s death remains unknown, but its appearance has revived old beliefs that oarfish are harbingers of impending natural disasters, such as earthquakes—though these claims lack scientific support.
The oarfish can grow up to 36 feet long and weigh as much as 440 pounds. It swims vertically and has a striking silver color that helps it camouflage in the ocean by reflecting light, a clever adaptation for avoiding predators. This elusive species inhabits the mesopelagic zone of the ocean, typically below 1000 meters, and is seldom seen near the surface unless sick, disoriented, or dying.
Local lore connects the sighting of oarfish with natural calamities, a myth that gained popularity following the 2011 earthquake in Japan. Scientists explain that these deep-sea dwellers are highly sensitive to seismic activities, which might drive them to shallower waters. Despite the mystique, there is no scientific evidence linking oarfish appearances with specific seismic events.
In Japanese mythology, the oarfish is considered a messenger from the sea god, known as Ryugu or Tsukai, adding to the fish’s legendary status among cultures that encounter it.
