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Miami Herald
09-07-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Rare ‘doomsday' fish — over 8 feet long — recorded for first time in Sri Lanka
During a multiday trip on the Indian Ocean off the coast of Sri Lanka, a fishing vessel reeled in a rare, massive creature trapped in a tuna gill net. With it measuring over 8 feet long with a 'silvery-grey' body and 'crimson red' fins, researchers have now confirmed the specimen caught accidentally in 2021 was an oarfish — the longest bony fish in the world, according to a study published July 9 in the journal Acta Ichthyologica Et Piscatoria. This is the first confirmed sighting of the species Regalecus russellii in Sri Lankan waters, according to researchers. Just two oarfish of this species have been recorded in the Indian Ocean, the study said. Oarfish in the Regalecidae family are known for their 'extremely slender' and 'very elongated ribbon-like' bodies, according to the study. They inhabit a wide range of depths from just below the ocean surface to the mesopelagic zone, or twilight zone, where very little light penetrates, researchers said. According to the study, oarfish are associated with 'numerous mythological beliefs,' but very little is known about them from a scientific standpoint, particularly in terms of their biology and habitat. Oarfish are often referred to as 'doomsday fish' because in some cultures they are seen as 'harbingers of bad news, particularly disasters or destruction,' such as earthquakes, according to the Ocean Conservancy. In the months leading up to Japan's Great Tōhoku Earthquake in 2011, 20 oarfish were found on beaches, according to reporting by The Guardian. The study says in other parts of the world, such as Australia, there is a 'clear association' between storm events and oarfish getting stranded on beaches or being caught accidentally by fishermen near the surface. This particular oarfish was caught in Sri Lankan waters during a period of 'coastal upwelling,' according to the study. This is when deep cold water rises to the surface, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Researchers said there have been many reported sightings 'of oarfish landings,' but none have been verified in peer-reviewed journals or made accessible to the scientific community. Oarfish netted as bycatch by fishing vessels are often 'discarded without proper documentation,' according to the study. However, advanced technology and citizen science initiatives are helping to fill the knowledge gaps, researchers said. The research team included Mahadurage I. G. Rathnasuriya and Thennakoon H. I. S. Hapuarachchi.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Is the ‘doomsday fish' a real omen of disaster? Here's what scientists say
The ocean, with its vastness and mystery, has long inspired awe and anxiety. Among its strangest residents is the giant oarfish—an elusive, ribbon-like deep-sea creature that has recently gained viral notoriety as the so-called " doomsday fish ." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Social media platforms have been flooded with posts and videos of oarfish sightings , often paired with ominous claims of impending disasters, especially earthquakes and tsunamis. This fear is not new. For centuries, coastal cultures have viewed these sea creatures as harbingers of doom, appearing just before seismic catastrophes. But is there any truth to these beliefs? Or are we merely falling prey to myth, coincidence, and viral hysteria? Here you can explore the origins of the 'doomsday fish' myth, the biology and habitat of the giant oarfish , notable historical sightings, scientific studies on the subject, and the cultural impact of their modern appearances. Why 'doomsday fish' is feared as a sign of disaster The creature often labeled as the 'doomsday fish' is officially known as Regalecus glesne. It belongs to the Regalecidae family and holds the record as the longest bony fish in the world, with lengths reaching up to 36 feet (11 meters). Giant oarfish inhabit the mesopelagic zone of the ocean—between 660 to 3,300 feet (200 to 1,000 meters) below the surface. These depths are characterized by low light and frigid temperatures. Due to their deep-sea lifestyle, sightings of oarfish are extremely rare, and most encounters occur when they are sick or dying, often washing ashore or surfacing in shallower waters. Their serpentine bodies, reflective silver skin, and crimson dorsal fins that run the length of their bodies make them striking and eerie to behold. This dramatic appearance likely contributes to their association with omens and disaster. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Folklore origins: Why are they called the 'doomsday fish'? In Japanese folklore, the oarfish is called 'Ryugu no tsukai', which translates to 'Messenger from the Sea God's Palace.' Historically, sightings of these creatures were interpreted as warnings of earthquakes or tsunamis, believed to be messages from the gods residing deep within the ocean. Other coastal communities across the Pacific and Asia have similar beliefs, viewing oarfish appearances as omens of misfortune, death, or natural calamities. These beliefs were mostly oral traditions, passed down through generations of fishermen and seafarers who depended on the moods of the ocean for their livelihood. Did oarfish predict the 2011 tsunami? The viral doomsday theory The most cited incident fueling the modern doomsday narrative occurred in 2010, when several dead oarfish were found along the coast of Japan. Just months later, in March 2011, the devastating Tohoku earthquake and tsunami struck, resulting in over 15,000 deaths and triggering the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Although scientists have debunked a direct connection, this timing reignited old beliefs and established the oarfish as a viral symbol of impending doom in modern pop culture. Earthquake panic goes viral after oarfish videos flood social media In the past decade, sightings of oarfish have become more frequent—partly because of climate change, but also because more people are filming and sharing ocean-related content. Viral TikToks and Instagram reels show these creatures floating near beaches or caught in fishing nets, often with panicked captions predicting earthquakes. Some notable recent sightings include: 2022: A 13-foot oarfish spotted near Taiwan triggered widespread rumors of an impending quake. 2023: A dying oarfish surfaced in the Philippines just days before a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Luzon. 2025: A live oarfish was filmed off the coast of Baja California, Mexico, racking up millions of views and reigniting the doomsday buzz. Fact check: Oarfish sightings don't signal earthquakes Despite the superstition, scientific research has found no conclusive evidence linking oarfish sightings to tectonic activity. In a 2019 paper published in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, researchers reviewed dozens of reported oarfish appearances and found no statistically significant correlation with seismic events. There are several biological explanations for why oarfish occasionally appear near the surface: Injuries or illness due to parasites or infections. Disorientation caused by underwater noise pollution or temperature shifts. Upwelling events that bring deeper waters—and the creatures in them—closer to the surface. Climate change and ocean warming may also be disrupting their natural habitats, forcing them into areas populated by humans. The psychological and cultural appeal of omens Humans are pattern-seeking creatures. In uncertain times, especially following disasters, we often look for signs or warnings we missed. This behavior is deeply rooted in psychology and cultural memory. The idea of a 'doomsday fish' allows people to feel a sense of control—if we can spot the warning signs, perhaps we can prepare for or avoid disaster. This belief is less about the fish and more about how humans cope with fear.
