Rare 'doomsday fish' spotted in Tamil Nadu: Is it a sign of a disaster ahead?
The oceans are home to countless creatures, many of which remain a mystery to us. Among these is the oarfish, a rare and elusive species that is of interest to many for its unusual appearance and its association with unfortunate events that have previously taken place.
Recently, fishermen off the Indian coasts caught one of these interesting deep-sea creatures.
The fish is also known as the "Doomsday Fish," and while the oarfish is a natural part of the deep-sea ecosystem, its surface appearances have often been linked to speculation and myth. There is a long-standing belief that the oarfish's presence near coastal areas may indicate something ominous, such as an upcoming disaster.
Recent sightings of the oarfish, including the one found in
Tamil Nadu
, have once again sent chills down people's spines, who associate its appearance with frightening disasters, raising questions about whether this fish has an unexplainable connection to catastrophic events.
The doomsday fish was spotted in Tamil Nadu
The oarfish, scientifically name Regalecus glesne, is a ribbon-like creature that can grow up to 30 feet in length. This deep-sea species is typically found at depths ranging from 200 to 1,000 meters, rarely surfacing to the top.
As such, spotting one near the surface is highly rare, so it draws attention wherever it occurs.
According to Latestly, fishermen off the coast of Tamil Nadu recently caught one of these rare creatures. The fish had a silvery, wavy body with a striking red crest-like fin near its head. This appearance, along with the fish's huge size and shape, has led to speculation among locals.
The doomsday fish has been spotted earlier too
Historically, the oarfish has been associated with significant natural disasters.
One of the most notable instances occurred before the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Oarfish were reported to have been spotted washed up along the coasts of Japan just days before the disaster struck. This sparked a popular belief among some that the fish may have some kind of connection to seismic activity, though scientists have dismissed any direct correlation.
Similarly, earlier sightings of the oarfish have been linked to other tragic events, and the locals have often interpreted the fish's appearance as a bad omen.
In Mexico, the oarfish was found on the shore shortly before a major earthquake occurred. This link between the fish and disasters has led to its nickname, "Doomsday Fish," and a growing sense of curiosity around its behaviour.
Japanese folklore around the Oarfish
In Japanese legend, the oarfish is seen as a sign of an upcoming earthquake. It's believed that the fish, usually deep in the ocean, swims to the surface when disturbed by underwater tremors. Locals often consider its appearance a warning of something big and disastrous about to happen.
Science has not given any proof yet
While there's no scientific proof that oarfish can predict earthquakes or other disasters, the idea still makes people curious to know more. Marine biologists suggest that oarfish might surface because of changes in their environment or disturbances in their deep-sea home, rather than acting as some kind of warning sign.
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