Bad Omen? Earthquakes Incoming? Doomsday Fish Spotting In Mexico Sparks Jitters
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Doomsday Fish Spotted In Mexico: In Japanese folklore, the appearance of the oarfish is considered a harbinger of impending disaster, particularly earthquakes.
Doomsday Fish Spotted In Mexico: The long, ribbon-shaped fish usually inhabit the mesopelagic zone, a region of deep water where light cannot penetrate.
A distinctively long and ribbon-shaped oarfish- also known as the ‘doomsday fish’- was spotted along the Baja California Sur beach in Mexico. The rare sighting of the sea creature is not good news, if you believe Japanese folklore as according to that, the fish’s washing up on the shore signifies that disasters or destruction are on the way, particularly earthquakes.
When And Where Was ‘Doomsday Fish’ Spotted?
The fish was spotted on the shore of a beach on February 9 when beachgoers were stunned to see the creature wash ashore in Lanzarote. The long, ribbon-shaped fish usually inhabit the mesopelagic zone, a region of deep water where light cannot penetrate.
A video of the moment the silvery fish was discovered has been widely shared on social media. In the video, a person is heard saying, “That’s an oarfish. They’ve almost never been seen live. Nobody’s going to believe this.”
What About Previous Sightings Of ‘Doomsday Fish’?
In 2024, the ‘doomsday fish’ was seen at least three separate times in Southern California, including one in San Diego last August which was the region’s first spotting in nearly 125 years. However, all three fish were found dead.
What Is The Origin Of Superstitions Related To ‘Doomsday Fish’ Sightings?
According to Atlas Obscura, in Japanese folklore, the appearance of the oarfish is considered a harbinger of impending disaster, particularly earthquakes. The superstition gained notoriety after multiple oarfish were found along Japan’s coast prior to the 2011 earthquake, sparking widespread connection of the sea creature to natural disasters.
The sight of the oarfish in shallow waters serves as an omen of an impending earthquake dating back to 17th century Japan as according to the folklore, the fish belongs to servants of the sea god Ryūjin. Hence the fish is also known as “ryugu no tsukai,” which translates to “messenger from the sea god’s palace.” Therefore, it is believed that the oarfish were sent from the palace toward the surface to warn people of earthquakes.
What Scientists Say On ‘Doomsday Fish’ Sightings?
Scientists have said that shifts in the climate patterns of El Niño and La Niña could be the reason for the sightings for oarfish.
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