Is Something Big About to Happen? A 3-Meter "Earthquake Fish" Spotted on the Beach - Second One in Three Months

The oarfish, a deep-sea creature sometimes called the "earthquake fish" due to its appearances occasionally coinciding with seismic events, has recently been found on a California beach. This has stirred concerns among the public about potential impending disasters. A 3-meter-long oarfish was discovered stranded on Grandview Beach in Encinitas, California, in early November, according to a New York Post report. This marks the second such incident in three months, intensifying worries about an impending doomsday scenario.

The oarfish, characterized by two long tendrils on its head and an unusual appearance, sparked discussions online. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) has taken the carcass back to the laboratory for preservation and further research on this rare species. Interestingly, the institute also recovered a 3.65-meter-long oarfish carcass near Grandview Beach in August of this year.

Oarfish typically inhabit deep waters at depths of 200 to 500 meters, with the capability to descend up to 1,000 meters. They are few in number and rarely seen by humans. Since 1901, only 20 oarfish have been recorded washing ashore in California. The recent appearance of two oarfish within three months has led to public concern about potential strong earthquakes. However, researchers emphasize that the belief that "earthquakes occur when oarfish are seen" has long been debunked. They suggest that the increase in oarfish sightings may be related to El Niño, La Niña cycles, and changes in the marine environment.

Oarfish and Earthquake Myths

The legend associating oarfish with impending earthquakes dates back centuries, particularly in Japanese folklore, where the oarfish is known as "ryugu no tsukai" or the "messenger from the sea god's palace". According to this belief, the appearance of oarfish in shallow waters is an omen of forthcoming earthquakes and misfortune. This myth gained traction in 2011 when approximately 20 oarfish washed ashore in the months preceding Japan's most powerful recorded earthquake and subsequent devastating tsunami.

Despite the enduring myth, scientists remain skeptical about a direct correlation between oarfish sightings and earthquakes. Marine biologists suggest that the beachings of oarfish may be coincidental. Some experts propose that if the myth were valid, other marine species would also exhibit similar behavior before earthquakes. Explanations for oarfish strandings include the possibility that the fish rise to the surface when their physical condition is poor or due to strong water currents. Additionally, a 2018 study indicated a correlation between oarfish strandings and El Niño years, during which warmer surface water temperatures may influence the movement and behavior of oarfish.

Scientific Perspectives

While the link between oarfish sightings and earthquakes is largely dismissed by the scientific community, some researchers acknowledge the need for further investigation. Kiyoshi Wadatsumi, an ecological seismologist, suggested that deep-sea fish living near the sea bottom might be more sensitive to the movements of active faults than fish near the surface. However, most scientists concur that there is currently insufficient evidence to establish a definitive connection between oarfish behavior and seismic activity.