30-Foot ‘Doomsday Fish' Caught In Tamil Nadu, Folklore Ties It To Earthquakes, Tsunamis
A rare deep-sea fish, known as the ' Pralaya fish ' or Oarfish (Regalecus glesne), was recently caught in fishermen's nets off the coast of Tamil Nadu. This silver-shining, ribbon-like fish, which can grow up to 30 feet long and has a red fin on its head, typically dwells at depths of 200 to 1,000 metres. Its appearance on the surface has sparked both curiosity and concern among local residents.
A report by the Times of India suggests that the sighting of an oarfish near coastal regions has long been believed to signal impending doom, such as a natural disaster. The recent discovery of an oarfish in Tamil Nadu has revived these fears, as its appearance is often linked to catastrophic events, prompting speculation about a possible connection between this fish and such disasters.
In Japanese and Filipino folklore, the oarfish is believed to be a harbinger of natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, a belief that has earned it the name 'Doomsday fish'. This latest sighting occurred on May 30, 2025, when Tamil Nadu fishermen captured the giant fish, and its video quickly went viral on social media.
The fish's shiny, snake-like appearance and distinctive red fins were clearly visible, causing alarm among locals who connected the event to Japanese folklore, specifically ' Ryugu no Sukai ' (messenger of the god of the sea).
Watch The Video Here
Historical reports have noted the sighting of 20 oarfish prior to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, as well as two oarfish before a 6.6 magnitude earthquake in the Philippines in 2017, reinforcing the belief that the presence of oarfish at the surface signals impending disaster.
The Times of India report suggests that previous encounters with oarfish have often been associated with tragic events, leading locals to view the fish as a harbinger of doom.
For instance, in Mexico, an oarfish was discovered on the shore just before a significant earthquake struck. This perceived connection between the oarfish and disasters has earned it the nickname 'Doomsday Fish" and sparked growing curiosity about its behavior.
However, scientific evidence does not support this theory. A 2019 study published in the 'Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America' found no concrete link between oarfish sightings and earthquake events from 1928 to 2011. Researcher Yoshiaki Orihara stated, 'There is no clear link between the sighting of oarfish and earthquakes."
Scientists suggest that oarfish may surface due to natural reasons such as changes in ocean currents, temperature fluctuations, or illness. For instance, a 2018 study indicated that climate events like El Niño, which cause higher-than-normal ocean temperatures, can bring oarfish to shallower waters. Marine biologist Thomas Claverie explained that while the sighting of oarfish is rare, it is not always associated with disasters. 'Fishermen see it from time to time, and it is not like there is a tsunami every time," he said.
Some experts theorise that subtle pressure changes from deep-sea seismic activity might push the fish to the surface, though this remains unproven. Additionally, oarfish often surface when they are sick or dying. According to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, only 20 oarfish were seen in California from 1901 to 2024, most of which were dead.
The recent incident in Tamil Nadu has ignited a debate on social media. While some users believe the fish is a warning of disaster, others consider it a natural phenomenon. One post noted, 'The sighting of oarfish in Tamil Nadu coincided with heavy monsoon but has no connection with the disaster." Although Tamil Nadu recently experienced heavy rainfall, no direct link to the oarfish was found.
This event not only highlights the enigmatic nature of the oarfish but also underscores the growing human impact on marine ecosystems. Factors like plastic pollution and climate change are affecting deep-sea creatures, making it crucial to preserve the ocean for species like the oarfish.
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tags :
deep sea creature doomsday Earthquake el nino fishermen Japanese rare Tamil Nadu
Location :
Tamil Nadu, India, India
First Published:
June 03, 2025, 17:02 IST
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