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NDTV
18-06-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Rare Doomsday Fish, Believed To Be A Warning Sign Of Natural Disaster, Spotted In Tamil Nadu
An oarfish, also known as the "doomsday fish", was recently caught off the Tamil Nadu coast. This deep-sea creature, rarely seen near the surface, is thought to be a warning of natural disasters, as per an old Japanese belief. So naturally, its sighting off the Indian coast has sparked concern among locals. A video going viral on social media shows a total of seven men holding the rare sea creature. The fish has a silvery, wavy body with a striking red crest-like fin near its head. "The rarely seen oarfish, which usually are in deep-sea, which is also known as 'Doomsday' fish, is caught in the net in Tamil Nadu," reads the caption of the post. Take a look below: The rarely seen oarfish, which usually are in deep-sea, which is also known as 'Doomsday' fish is caught in the net in TamilNadu — Aryan (@chinchat09) June 16, 2025 An oarfish is a slow-moving and lazy fish with very little muscle. It usually just floats gently in the water, often in a vertical position, and feeds on plankton. According to an old Japanese belief, oarfish is referred to as the doomsday fish because its appearance near the surface is thought to be a warning of natural disasters. In some cases, people have reported seeing oarfish washing ashore before major earthquakes, especially in Japan. They assume it can sense underwater seismic activity and rise to the surface to warn humans. However, this theory has never been confirmed by science. Oarfish can reach lengths of up to 11 metres. They usually live in deep water and only return to the surface when they are sick, dying or breeding. Spotting this fish is rare. However, in recent years, it has made quite a few appearances worldwide. Earlier this month, an oarfish washed ashore the Ocean Beach near Strahan in Tasmania. The three-metre-long doomsday fish was discovered by a resident, Sybil Robertson, during a beach walk. In February, the rare deep-sea creature was again spotted in the shallow waters of Baja California Sur, along Mexico's Pacific Coast.
News18
18-06-2025
- Science
- News18
‘Doomsday Fish' Returns: Are Oarfish Giving A Silent Warning?
Last Updated: The mysterious 'doomsday fish' has made four appearances this year—starting in India in late May, followed by sightings in Australia and two in New Zealand. Since May 2025, the rare deep-sea oarfish—often linked to natural disasters in Japanese folklore—has surfaced unusually in four locations: India, Australia, New Zealand, and California. Known as the 'doomsday fish," its sudden appearances have sparked both scientific interest and public concern. A recent wave of oarfish sightings has renewed global curiosity about this mysterious deep-sea creature. Whether a sign from nature or mere coincidence, its appearances highlight both scientific intrigue and the vast unknowns of the ocean. As researchers explore possible environmental triggers, the so-called 'doomsday fish" remains a haunting reminder of nature's mysteries. Tamil Nadu Sighting Kicks Off Global Oarfish Wave In late May 2025, the first recorded sighting of the year occurred off the coast of Tamil Nadu, India. Local fishermen caught a massive oarfish nearly 30 feet (9 meters) long. It took seven men to lift the deep-sea creature for a photo, which quickly went viral online, marking the start of a series of unusual global appearances. Tasmania Sighting Sparks Seismic Speculation On June 2, 2025, an oarfish measuring around 3 meters washed up on Tasmania's remote west coast. According to reports, a resident, Sybil Robertson, spotted the deep-sea creature and posted photos online, sparking widespread speculation. Many linked the sighting to potential seismic activity, reviving age-old associations between oarfish and natural disasters. In early June 2025, two oarfish washed ashore in New Zealand within the same week—one near Dunedin and another, headless, near Birdlings Flat close to Christchurch. The rare events stirred both public curiosity and concern among marine biologists, further feeding the long-standing superstitions surrounding the elusive 'doomsday fish." 2024 Sightings Rekindle Oarfish–Earthquake Link Before the 2025 surge, two notable oarfish sightings occurred in 2024. In August, a 12-foot oarfish was spotted off the coast of San Diego, California, just two days before a 4.4-magnitude earthquake hit Los Angeles. The timing reignited theories that these deep-sea creatures may sense seismic activity before it occurs. Massive Oarfish Stuns Northern Australia A month after the California sighting, another oarfish appeared near the Tiwi Islands in Australia's Northern Territory. Shared online by Curtis Peterson of Tiwi Islands Adventures, the enormous creature drew widespread attention for its size and serpent-like appearance, with many likening it to mythical sea monsters. Oarfish Sightings: Omen or Ocean Disturbance? While folklore links oarfish to impending disasters, scientists reportedly suggest their sudden appearances may result from seismic activity, water temperature changes, or illness. Though some sightings have preceded earthquakes, there's no conclusive evidence yet—only growing curiosity about their sensitivity to environmental shifts. Know All About An Oarfish Oarfish are ribbon-like deep-sea creatures that can grow over 30 feet long, making them the longest bony fish. Found at depths of 200 to 1,000 meters, they feed on plankton and crustaceans and pose no threat to humans. In Japanese folklore, their appearance is reportedly seen as a warning of earthquakes or tsunamis. While no scientific proof links them directly to disasters, some experts believe they may be sensitive to deep-sea disturbances.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
‘Doomsday fish' recently spotted four times in 20 days across countries including India; here's where and what happened next
Source: Live Science In recent months, an enigmatic deep-sea fish, the oarfish, also known as the "doomsday fish," has been seen around the world due to a series of unusual appearances on multiple continents. Once rooted in Japanese legend as a harbinger of impending natural disasters, the oarfish is rarely encountered close to the surface. But since May 2025, it has surfaced four times on the surface once in India and three times in Australia, New Zealand and California, both raising scientific curiosity as well as public alarm. Recent strings of oarfish sightings have again raised global interest in this enigmatic species. Whether a warning from nature or a strange coincidence, the appearance of these ocean giants offers both a mystery and potential for scientific discovery. As scientists continue to look at the environmental impetus for such occurrences, the doomsday fish is an ever-lasting symbol of nature's inexplicable occurrences and how much there is yet to learn about the bottom of the ocean. Deep-sea 'doomsday fish' recent sightings Tamil Nadu, India – May 2025 The very first year sighting was recorded toward the end of May along the coast of southern India. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Fishermen in Tamil Nadu caught a gigantic oarfish measuring almost 30 feet (9 meters) long. It took seven men to hold it upright to take a picture. The picture became a sensation on social media, and it marked the beginning of a string of global sightings. Tasmania, Australia – June 2, 2025 A few days later, there was another oarfish that washed up on the rugged west coast of Tasmania. The approximately 3-meter-long specimen was seen by resident Sybil Robertson, who shared photos online. Her post generated huge speculation, with users comparing the spotting of the oarfish to seismic activity possibilities. Source: New York Post South Island, New Zealand – Early June 2025 Two separate sightings of oarfish were made in New Zealand in the same week. One was on a beach close to Dunedin and the other, headless, on a beach close to Birdlings Flat, near Christchurch. Both caused interest and alarm among marine biologists and the general public, continuing to fuel the superstition surrounding these mysterious fish. Source: Washington Post Historical sightings in context: California and Northern Australia (2024) Before the recent increased sightings, notable oarfish sightings were those in 2024. During August, a 12-foot oarfish was seen off California's San Diego coast just two days before a 4.4 earthquake struck Los Angeles. The coincidence revived speculation of the oarfish's potential ability to detect geological movement. A month afterward, yet another oarfish surfaced in the waters off the Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory of Australia. This one, shared in a social media post by Curtis Peterson of Tiwi Islands Adventures, was widely compared to sea serpents due to its record size and form. Source: Facebook Oarfish sightings raising concerns: Warning sign or coincidence While the surge of oarfish is perceived in folklore as an omen of disaster, more logical explanations are provided by marine scientists. Scientists theorise that unusual oceanic events such as offshore seismic activity, temperature shifts, toxicity, or illness may disorient these deep-sea fish, encouraging them to ride up to the surface or strand themselves. Yet, the repetitive proximity of oarfish sightings to earthquakes cannot be entirely discounted and is worthy of consideration. Their highly specialised habitat might very well make them sensitive to antecedent alterations to earthquakes, but empirical evidence remains inconclusive. What is an oarfish Oarfish are elongated, ribbon-like fish that inhabit the temperate and tropical oceans at depths between 200 and 1,000 meters. They grow up to over 30 feet (9 meters) in length and are the longest bony fish. They are not harmful to humans and feed primarily on small ocean animals such as plankton and crustaceans. In accordance with Japanese lore, the sight of oarfish has been claimed to predict seismic activity, such as earthquakes or tsunamis, which has earned them their dark reputation. There is no immediate scientific evidence to link oarfish sightings with calamity, but some scientists postulate that oarfish are perhaps more sensitive to seismic activity and therefore have surfaced due to disturbance in their deep-sea habitat. Also Read | Jaguar vs panther: How these majestic big cats differ on the basis of weight, hunting strategy and more
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Woman discovers rare 'doomsday' fish on remote beach: 'It was so bizarre ... like something from the deep sea'
A rare deep-sea creature, sometimes called a "doomsday fish," made a mysterious appearance on a remote beach in Tasmania, and the eerie encounter is causing people to wonder about what's really happening beneath the surface of our oceans. The oarfish, a rarely seen species believed to dwell hundreds of feet below sea level, was spotted by a local woman, Sybil Robertson, on Ocean Beach near the town of Strahan. Measuring roughly 10 feet long and gleaming silver, the animal was so unusual in appearance that the woman who found it was in awe. "It was so bizarre," Australian marine biologist Jorja Gilmore said when talking about her own encounter with an oarfish in 2022, "like something from the deep sea." The discovery was reported by the Guardian, which notes that oarfish are "phenomenally big fish" with long, ribbon-like bodies and delicate dorsal fins. Marine ecologist Neville Barrett of the University of Tasmania explained that these animals are usually found between 500 and 1,640 feet deep and rarely come close to shore. In Japanese folklore, oarfish are known as "Ryūgū-no-tsukai," or messengers from the sea god's palace, and their appearance is sometimes interpreted as a warning of earthquakes. While there's no evidence this creature's appearance is tied to any seismic event, its presence near the surface is still highly unusual. A similar incident occurred earlier this year when a live oarfish was spotted on a beach in Baja California Sur, Mexico, as reported by People. The animal appeared injured and disoriented. These increasingly visible encounters have left people wondering whether something deeper is going on, literally. The deep sea remains one of the most under-monitored ecosystems on Earth, yet it plays a crucial role in maintaining the planet's temperature, food supply, and biodiversity. Warmer waters are shifting migration patterns for countless species, which is pushing animals like jellyfish, sharks, and even oarfish into areas where they aren't typically found. At the same time, plastic pollution is being ingested by deep-sea creatures, and larger debris can entangle or injure them. Overfishing and acidification are also disrupting the ocean's food web, leaving some animals without enough resources to survive. While the cause of this particular oarfish's appearance is unknown, marine scientists have warned that what we don't know about the deep ocean may be just as concerning as what we do. Do you think we still have a lot to learn from ancient cultures? Definitely Only on certain topics I'm not sure No — not really Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "It's just so interesting what you can find if you just keep your eyes open whilst you're looking around. It's just amazing," Robertson said. These moments can feel extraordinary but might also be signs of distress that are in need of attention. Efforts to better understand and protect the ocean are underway, but there's a long way to go. Projects like the Ocean Census, which is a global initiative to discover and document 100,000 new marine species in the next decade, are designed to fill some of the knowledge gaps. Meanwhile, countries like the U.S. have recently committed to expanding marine protected areas, which can help preserve deep-sea habitats and biodiversity. To help on an individual level, reducing plastic use, eating lower on the seafood chain, and supporting sustainable fishing practices all contribute to healthier oceans. And pushing for stronger ocean policy and funding for marine research ensures that the deep sea (and its rarely seen residents) don't stay out of sight, out of mind. Solutions like floating solar panels on reservoirs, which reduce pollution output while minimizing pressure on land and aquatic systems, and efforts to combat invasive species, can help restore balance in fragile ecosystems. Each of these steps brings us closer to a future where rare animals like the oarfish don't have to show up onshore to be considered. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Newsweek
06-06-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
'Doomsday Fish' Discoveries Spark Fears Of Impending Natural Disaster
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The recent discoveries of two rare deep-sea dwelling oarfish have sparked fears of a looming natural disaster. The fish were discovered in separate incidents in India and Tasmania within the last week. In the first incident, fishermen in Tamil Nadu, India, pulled a 30-foot oarfish from the water. The massive fish required seven men to hold it for the video. Stock image of an oarfish. Stock image of an oarfish. Photo by Eric Broder Van Dyke / Getty Images On June 2, a dogwalker named Sybil Robertson encountered a dead nine-foot specimen washed up on a Tasmanian beach and posted photos to a citizen scientist group on social media. "I just knew it was something unusual and weird," Sybil Robertson told The Daily Mail, describing the oarfish's markings as "fabulous". A 'Doomsday' Fish? Oarfish are sometimes known as "doomsday fish"—a reputation that stems from interpretations of the oarfish in Japanese folklore. As per Forbes, at least a dozen oarfish washed up onto Japan's coastline in the year before the 2011 Fukushima earthquake and tsunami, which brought the deep-sea creatures back to the forefront of the imagination. Doomsday fish have been found in Tamil Nadu, India. — ಸನಾತನ (@sanatan_kannada) May 31, 2025 Ben Fraber, an ichthyologist and the marine vertebrate collection manager at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego, told Newsweek in a phone interview that the mythology was "compelling enough" to capture the public's attention. "You do see when there's a big change in pressure on land, birds and other animals will move out of the way," Fraber said. However, researchers in Japan took a closer look at the phenomenon, bringing in data points that included beached whales and anglerfish, as well as known natural disasters and earthquakes dating back to the early 1900s. "They found almost no correlation whatsoever," Fraber noted. "It's really interesting to think about, but it doesn't seem to have a statistical link that we can find." A Rare Find Fraber has seen oarfish in person—last year, two oarfish were discovered by employees of Scripps Institution of Oceanography who were out snorkeling for the day. The employees notified lifeguards, and the institute was able to work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to bring the oarfish in. Fraber preserved the fish in formaldehyde and alcohol, and members of the public can see one of them currently in the Birch Aquarium at Scripps in San Diego. Fraber said oarfish sightings are relatively rare in Southern California—the two his team encountered were only the 21st and 22nd discovered since 1901. "Having the samples in person instead of just a video allows us to look at their stomach contents, look at their genetics, we'll get nitrogen and carbon isotopes that can tell us where they are in the open ocean food web," Fraber said. "And we preserve them so people in the future can continue asking questions from them." According to Fraber, oarfish are filter feeders whose jaws are modified so they can push them forward and vacuum water in, creating suction that traps food similar to bass or large whales. Oarfish primarily eat krill and small fish, which may be confused by the oarfish's silvery body that refracts light. "You're a little school of fish, you're swimming around, you see this thing, but it kind of just looks like a big jelly or gelatinous organism, something you're not too concerned about because a jellyfish is not going to try to eat you," Fraber said. "So you swim up and it's actually not that. It's this big fish that has a highly modified mouth that can protrude and create a kind of vacuum cleaner. It slurps up all these fish." A "Wow" Reaction Having handled and seen oarfish in person, Fraber understands the hype. "I think part of it is the size," he said. "Part of it is the look, they have this beautiful bright red fin, big silvery body, large eyes. "And part of it is the scale. We're not used to seeing animals that big—with the exception of sharks, dolphins and whales—so it elicits this kind of 'wow' reaction." Fraber noted that the mythology of sea serpents is probably related to misidentified oarfish long ago. "It's like actually getting to see this semi-mythological thing in person, it's not a myth, it's a real animal that's living with us on our planet, I think that makes it really amazing," he said. "Even though I've worked on fish for almost 20 years, and have handled many oarfish specimens, these two last year were the first time I actually got to see them fresh and unpreserved in person, and it was pretty magical."
