Extremely Rare “Doomsday Fish” Discovered off California Coast

Kayakers and snorkelers off the Southern California coast made an extraordinary discovery when they spotted a rare oarfish. This unusual marine creature, often referred to as a “doomsday fish,” is famously seen in various cultures as an omen of impending disasters. According to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, there have been less than two dozen confirmed sightings of oarfish in California over the past 120 years.

The oarfish is truly a striking sight, characterized by its remarkable, elongated, ribbon-like body. It can grow to over 30 feet in length and features large eyes and intimidating red spines that cluster in a crown-like formation. These fish are typically deep-sea residents, dwelling in some of the least explored waters, which makes their appearances even more special.

On August 10, a 12-foot-long oarfish was discovered by ocean enthusiasts near La Jolla Cove. Unfortunately, the fish had already perished by the time it was found. They usually inhabit the deeper parts of the ocean and tend to swim closer to the surface only when they are sick, dying, or disoriented.

Over the years, only 20 oarfish have washed up along the California coast since records began in 1901, as noted by the Scripps Institution. The incident prompted a collaborative effort among various agencies, including the NOAA Fisheries Service and California Sea Grant. Local lifeguards also played a part in assisting the transport of the fish to a NOAA facility.

Scientists from both the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center and the Scripps Institution plan to conduct a necropsy on the oarfish in a bid to uncover the cause of its death. The remains of this unique fish will eventually be preserved as part of the Scripps Marine Vertebrate Collection, which is recognized as one of the largest archives of deep-sea fish globally.

The nickname “doomsday fish” is derived from the oarfish’s association with seismic activity and disaster warnings. For instance, a group of such fish reportedly beached themselves in Japan just days before the devastating earthquake that struck in 2011. Interestingly, this California oarfish was discovered only two days before a 4.4 magnitude earthquake shook the region, affecting areas around Los Angeles.

This peculiar relationship between oarfish sightings and seismic events has sparked a mix of intrigue and alarm among oceanologists and the general populace alike. These remarkable creatures serve as a reminder of the mysteries of the ocean—and the way nature may communicate with us in subtle, enigmatic ways.

Such occurrences ignite curiosity about the deeper ocean and its inhabitants, many of which remain hidden from human eyes. With vast expanses of unexplored waters teeming with life, the ocean continues to reveal its secrets, one rare sighting at a time.

The oarfish serves as both a symbol of the unexplored depths of the ocean and a captivating element of marine folklore that captures the imagination of many. Moving forward, the insights gained from the oarfish’s necropsy could contribute valuable data to help scientists better understand these enigmatic creatures and their behavior in the face of environmental changes.

Ultimately, the discovery of the oarfish not only fascinates marine biologists but also engages the public in a broader conversation about the health of ocean ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts aimed at protecting these and other vulnerable species.

Source: CBS News