What is the ‘doomsday fish'?
The oarfish is commonly known as the 'doomsday fish'.
The 'doomsday fish' can grow to be up to 30 feet long and typically resides down to 1,000 meters in the mesopelagic zone of the ocean, according to Ocean Conservancy, making a sighting of the massive creature extremely rare.
Oarfish are filter feeders meaning they eat krill, plankton and other small creatures. They float vertically and use their reflective bodies as a type of camouflage. The fish also have clusters of red spines sticking out from it's back.
In Japanese, the oarfish is called 'ryūgū no tsukai', which can be translated to 'Messengers from the Sea God's Palace.'
These US beaches rank among the best in the world, according to Tripadvisor
According to Yokai, an online database of Japanese folklore, the ryūgū no tsukai is described as a large fish with a human head and horns. It can have long hair or a beard and grow to be 18 meters long and gives off light.
As the legend tells it, these prophetic fish appeared on the coasts of Japan and brought news of a deadly disease that would only spare those who saw a portrait of the creature or those who heard its message.
In more recent history, the 'message' these fish are said to bring is that of pending disasters, most notably earthquakes.
In 2011, the strongest earthquake ever to hit Japan also triggered a tsunami, which caused a nuclear disaster at a plant in Fukushima. The earthquake and tsunami killed more than 20,000 people. According to reports, several oarfish were reported on Japanese shores leading up to the earthquake.
An oarfish washed up near San Diego on August 10, 2024, and just two days later, an earthquake hit the area. A similar occurrence happened in Grandview Beach in Southern California with the sighting of the doomsday fish happening in November, and an earthquake striking the area in December of the same year.
Despite the common occurrence of these deep-sea creatures and earthquakes, researchers are chalking it up to superstition. The Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America published a report stating that 'relationship between deep‐sea fish appearances and earthquakes was hardly found.'
The Ocean Conservancy adds that when a fish that typically resides deep in the ocean comes to the surface, it could be a sign that the animal is disoriented, sick or could be dying.
Still, whenever these doomsday fish come up to the surface for a rare sighting, so does the legend of impending disaster on social media.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Japanese warship used in WWII found on Pacific seafloor: See photos
A team of scientists discovered a Japanese naval destroyer for the first time since it was sunk by American troops in World War II. Researchers exploring islands off the coast of the Solomon Islands in the Pacific Ocean located the Imperial Japanese Navy destroyer Teruzuki, the Ocean Exploration Trust organization announced in a press release July 12. Teruzuki — a Japanese word meaning "shining moon" or "illuminated moon" — was a 440 feet-long warship designed for screening aircraft carriers from aerial attacks. It was stationed off the island of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, a nation in the south Pacific north of Australia, to protect supply ships before being attacked and sunk by American troops in December 1942, OET said. 'I feel so lucky to see this ship. The fact that we have not seen Teruzuki in over 80 years underscores the importance of recording maritime heritage now,' said Hiroshi Ishii, a member of the research team involved in the discovery, in the release. In the early hours of December 12, 1942, American patrol boats attacked the convoy, striking Teruzuki in the stern with a pair of Mk-8 torpedoes. The detonation broke the ship's rudder, disabling the ship and engulfing it in flames. Most of its crew were rescued or swam to shore, but nine men were killed as Teruzuki sank, according to OET. Through the discovery of the ship, researchers were able to piece together exactly what happened during the attack, OET said. A 62-foot segment of the ship's stern was found littered with depth charges, disproving a long-held theory that such weapons sealed the ship's fate, OET said. Instead, the broken rudder impaired the vessel and sparked fires, causing it to sink. A group of scientists using remotely operated vehicles to explore an area of seafloor discovered the Teruzuki, OET said. Remotely operated vehicles are underwater machines used to scan ocean depths while being operated by someone at the water's surface, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. According to OET, because Japanese naval vessel plans were kept highly secret during the war, no historical images of Teruzuki exist. Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Japan's WWII destroyer Teruzuki found in Pacific: See photos
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Researchers Say These Overlooked Fish Could Help You Live Longer
Eating small fish up to three times a month reduced early death risk by 32% and cancer death risk by 28% in a nine-year study of more than 80,000 individuals. Small fish are rich in omega-3s, calcium, protein, selenium, and iodine, supporting heart, brain, bones, immune system, and thyroid health — vital for healthy aging and longevity. Compared to larger fish, small fish contain lower levels of environmental toxins such as mercury and PCBs, making them a safer, nutrient-dense option for regular fish like salmon and tuna get a lot of hype because of their versatility and plethora of health-boosting nutrients. But research published in Public Health Nutrition shows that small fish also deserve attention. Why? Because these tiny fish have big benefits for longevity. The study tracked over 80,000 Japanese adults aged 35 to 69 for an average of nine years to examine the connection between small fish consumption and the risk of early death. Using a food frequency questionnaire, researchers discovered that women who ate small fish one to three times a month had a 32% lower risk of premature death and a 28% decrease in the odds of dying from cancer compared to those who did not eat small fish regularly. Those results are pretty promising, however the association between small fish consumption and reduced odds of mortality was not statistically significant in men. Researchers aren't sure why, but it could be due to a smaller sample size of men in the study. Related: Your Favorite Herb Could Soon Become a Key Treatment for Alzheimer's 'Given it wasn't a short-term trial, this comprehensive, well-planned study provides strong evidence that consuming small fish can lead to improved long-term health outcomes,' says Kristen Lorenz, RD, a registered dietitian who specializes in longevity and metabolic health. But what are the exact mechanisms at play? And how can you reap the longevity benefits of small fish? Here's what experts want you to know. Quick primer: Small fish are typically under six inches long and eaten whole or nearly whole, with examples including sardines, anchovies, mackerel, smelt, and herring. Larger fish, on the other hand, are higher up the food chain and include tuna, swordfish, salmon, king mackerel, and halibut. Small fish contain multiple essential nutrients that defend against inflammation and safeguard your health, ultimately promoting longevity. Here's a breakdown of the powerful mechanisms at work: Small fish are loaded with DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties that benefit the heart, brain, and immune system, which are all essential for promoting longevity, Lorenz explains. Omega-3s are also an essential fat, meaning the body cannot produce them in sufficient amounts on its own, so small fish are an easy, convenient way to consume the necessary omega-3s your body needs for proper function, says Lauren Benser, RD, a registered dietitian and founder of Lauren Benser Nutrition. When eaten whole, small fish are a natural source of highly absorbable calcium, which is essential for supporting bone health and preventing serious injuries (like fractures) as you get older, Benser says. Everyone needs the mineral to keep their bones healthy, but calcium intake is especially crucial for women in the years leading up to menopause, since hormonal shifts (particularly changes in estrogen) increase the risk of bone loss, she explains. Small fish contain complete proteins, which help maintain and repair muscles, thereby supporting healthy aging, Lorenz says. Additionally, protein is essential for bodily functions like immune response, metabolic health, and wound healing. Small fish are rich in selenium and iodine—two essential minerals for thyroid health and reducing oxidative stress (an imbalance in free radicals and antioxidants that can cause cell damage associated with aging, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses), Lorenz says. Studies also suggest that adequate selenium intake may slow the aging process, ultimately lowering the risk of chronic illnesses and immune dysfunction. Small fish are lower on the food chain than larger fish, so they accumulate fewer environmental toxins like methylmercury (a toxic substance that can damage various organs and systems in the body when consumed in high levels) and polychlorinated biphenyls (a group of man-made chemicals that do not break down easily and can build up in living organisms), Benser says. Nutritionally, small fish are just as rich, if not richer, in omega-3 fatty acids than large fish, and they often bring added nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin A, Lorenz says. With that in mind, big fish also support overall health and longevity because they provide their own variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, so it's always important to eat a diverse, balanced diet. Try to stick to other fish that tend to be lower in methylmercury, such as salmon. According to the study and other dietary guidelines, Lorenz recommends aiming for two to three servings of small fish per week, with each serving about three to four ounces. 'Consistency of consumption matters more than quantity, so a few small servings of small fish each week could have a positive health impact over time,' she says. And yes, too much of a good thing can backfire — even with small fish. While generally safe and lower in environmental contaminants than their bigger counterparts, excessive intake of small fish, especially canned varieties, could lead to excess sodium and, in rare cases, too much selenium, which can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lightheadedness, and even nerve damage, Lorenz says. 'I know it's cliché, but moderation is key to reaping the benefits without the risks.' Related: Turmeric and Garlic Helped Reverse Aging in Just 8 Weeks, Researchers Say Most adults, especially those at risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, or cognitive decline, should consider incorporating small fish into their diet. However, Lorenz notes that individuals with high blood pressure or kidney issues should be mindful of the sodium content in canned or smoked small fish. As for the best way to actually eat small fish, it's all about personal preference, but Lorenz and Benser recommend the following simple recipes: A tinned fish grazing board with crackers, olives, and veggies for a no-cook meal or nutrient-dense appetizer. Sardines on toasted sourdough with avocado, chili flakes, microgreens, and lemon juice. Blend anchovies into homemade salad dressing or pasta sauce for a savory, salty umami flavor. Grilled mackerel drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and freshly chopped herbs, served plain or on a bed of fresh greens. Pro tip: If you can't stomach the flavor of small fish, Lorenz recommends pairing it with citrus, vinegar, and/or fresh herbs to help balance the richness. Aside from boosting longevity, small fish offer the following health benefits, according to Lorenz. Supports heart health: Omega-3 fatty acids can help lower triglycerides, reduce blood pressure, and prevent arterial plaque buildup to support cardiovascular health and function. Improves cognitive function: DHA (a type of omega-3 fatty acid) supports memory, enhances cognitive function, and may be associated with a decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Builds strong bones: The calcium and vitamin D in whole small fish with soft edible bones still intact help preserve bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Linked to reduced cancer risk: The selenium and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids found in small fish may help lower the risk of breast and colorectal cancer. Enhances immunity: Small fish are excellent sources of zinc, vitamin D, and selenium, which are all essential for proper immune system function, and this system naturally weakens with Manaker MS, RDN, LD, CLEC: Lauren is an award-winning registered dietitian and three-time book author, with more than 22 years in the the original article on Food & Wine
Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Chicago Tribune
Editorial: The risk of nuclear war waned after the Cold War. It's back with a vengeance.
When the first nuclear bomb test took place on this date 80 years ago, the scientists who gathered to observe the explosion in the New Mexico desert recognized they were playing with fire. Physicist Enrico Fermi tried to break the tension by taking bets on whether the bomb would ignite the atmosphere and destroy the world. J. Robert Oppenheimer wagered $10 the bomb wouldn't work at all, and Edward Teller conspicuously applied sunscreen in the predawn darkness, offering to pass it around. The bomb exploded in a fireball hotter than the surface of the sun, producing far more destructive power than the scientists anticipated. Within weeks, the U.S. nuked the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, hastening the end of World War II while killing more than 200,000 civilians. The bomb hasn't been used since, apart from test blasts, and after the Cold War ended in 1991, the risk of nuclear war mercifully declined. Now the risk is back on the rise, as an alarming new nuclear age dawns. This week, the University of Chicago will host what it's billing as a 'Nobel Laureate Assembly for the Prevention of Nuclear War.' The conference will take place near the campus location where Fermi oversaw the first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction in the run-up to that fateful July 16 bomb test. Even just the conference agenda makes for an alarming read. Panel One will explore how a public once acutely aware of nuclear arms' catastrophic effects has largely forgotten those Cold War-era fears and lost its focus on avoiding nuclear war at all costs. Panel Two outlines how artificial intelligence and cybersecurity breaches stand to increase the likelihood of nuclear war. Subsequent panels cover the alarming history of nuclear 'close calls,' the weaponization of space and how the disarmament efforts of 30 years ago have fizzled — which brings us to what one of the organizers calls today's 'uniquely dangerous moment.' Unfortunately, the nuclear landscape is changing for the worse. For starters, the main players are no longer two global superpowers. During the Cold War, the U.S. and the Soviet Union largely controlled the potential for conflict, which made the risks relatively straightforward to analyze. These days, the politics of nuclear arms have become more complicated and unpredictable. Nine nations are said to possess the weapons today, including the rogue state of North Korea, and others could build them quickly. Most people have forgotten that South Africa once developed a bomb but gave up its program voluntarily. Iraq and Libya also had active nuclear-weapon programs that were stopped under intense international pressure. At the moment, the focus is on Iran's nuclear program, which the U.S. bombed on June 22, alongside Israel. The U.S. launched its attack even though Iran continued to pursue diplomacy about its nuclear ambitions. Iran may conclude that it needs a nuclear capability for self-defense, to deter future attacks. The same could be said for other states threatened by nuclear-armed rivals. Consider Ukraine, which voluntarily gave up the nuclear arms based on its soil after the fall of the Soviet Union. Would Russia's 2022 invasion still have occurred against a Ukraine bristling with doomsday weapons? Doubtful. Besides the chilling political calculations, the weapons used to deliver nuclear warheads have become more dangerous. Hypersonic glide missiles could elude defense systems before striking their targets with practically no warning, while smaller, low-yield nukes threaten to blur the lines between conventional and nuclear warfare, making all-out war more likely. Defense spending is soaring across the globe, and, with it, faster and deadlier weapons are likely to be deployed. At the same time, treaties restricting nuclear arms are in decline. The most impactful of them — the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons — was undermined in 2003 when North Korea withdrew from it and built an atomic arsenal. It's time for the targets of these terrible weapons — us, that is — to rise up and say, 'No!' The 1980s witnessed mass demonstrations demanding a nuclear freeze. Today, the threat of nuclear war is beginning to enter the public consciousness again. The movie 'Oppenheimer' about the Trinity bomb test 80 years ago was a box-office hit. The 2024 book, 'Nuclear War: A Scenario,' became a bestseller. Star movie director James Cameron has committed to making, 'Ghosts of Hiroshima,' a Japan-set movie said to be a nightmarish look at the A-bomb blasts. During the Cold War, pop culture helped convince everyday people to stand against the march toward Armageddon, and here's hoping it can do so again. At the same time, events like the University of Chicago conference can help to get actionable recommendations into the hands of global decision-makers. For 80 years, the world has lived with the threat of nuclear destruction. Let's act now to curb it, before it's too late.
