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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.
Folklore links oarfish to impending disasters. (Photo Credits: X)
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.
‘Doomsday Fish’: Here Are All The Sightings
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.
Twin Oarfish Sightings Unsettle New Zealand Coasts
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.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
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