An exceptionally rare oarfish, often called the “doomsday fish” in Japanese folklore due to its connection to natural disasters, recently made a surprise appearance in the waters off La Jolla Cove in San Diego.

The discovery of this deep-sea creature has fascinated both locals and scientists, as it is only the 20th time that a rowing fish has been found in California Waters since 1901.

The appearance of a legendary deep-sea creature

Known for its long, snake-like body and distinctive appearance, the oarfish typically lives in the deep sea, at depths of 700 to 3,280 feet below the surface. The species is rarely seen, with sightings often considered significant due to their rarity. This particular oarfish was spotted by a group of kayakers and snorkelers swimming nearby La Jolla Bay. Accordingly Lauren Fimbres Wooda spokesman for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San DiegoThe joint effort of scientists and lifeguards was needed to bring the large fish to shore.

The sighting of the oarfish has sparked great excitement among marine biologists and deep-sea researchers as it provides a rare opportunity to study this elusive creature. Only 20 oarfish have been recorded to date. California over the last 125 years, making each appearance a unique event in the field of marine biology. Ben FrableScripps’ in-house fish expert, described the fish as “incredibly rare” and noted that scientists are currently conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Folklore and superstition: The “doomsday fish”

While the scientific community views the emergence of the oarfish as an exciting opportunity for research, Japanese folklore offers a more sinister interpretation. Known in Japan as “Ryugu no Tsukai” or “messenger from the palace of the sea god” – rowing fish have long been brought to the surface as an omen of impending earthquakes and tsunamis. According to legend, these deep-sea dwellers are sent by the sea god Ryūjin to warn people of seismic activity. This belief dates back to the 17th century and has persisted in some cultures to this day.

The connection between oarfish sightings and earthquakes gained widespread attention after several sightings were reported off the 2011 Tohoku earthquake And Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan. Despite the persistent myths, however, there is no scientific evidence linking the appearance of oarfish to seismic events. Hiroyuki MotomuraProfessor of Ichthyology at the Kagoshima Universityhas explained that the fish are more likely to come to the surface because of illness or poor physical condition, as they are carried upwards by the current, rather than because of an impending disaster.

Unlocking the secrets of the oarfish

The discovery of the oarfish in La Jolla Bay has aroused the interest of researchers who want to learn more about this mysterious species. The oarfish is considered part of the Scripps Collection of Marine Vertebratesone of the world’s largest repositories of deep-sea fish. This preservation will allow scientists to study the species in more detail and potentially gain new insights into its behavior, physiology and interactions with the environment.

Although the exact reason for the oarfish’s emergence in shallower waters is still unclear, each new specimen provides valuable data that could help scientists better understand these deep-sea giants. The autopsy currently underway at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) The facility will investigate possible causes of death, such as disease or environmental stressors, and provide further clues to the oarfish’s mysterious behavior.

What to do if you encounter a rare marine creature?

For those who frequent California beaches, the appearance of an oarfish or other rare marine creatures can be an exciting but also tricky situation. Marine experts advise anyone who encounters such creatures to notify local lifeguards or institutions such as Scripps to ensure that the animal is treated properly. Taking marine animals from the beach is prohibited and the correct channels must be followed to enable scientific study and conservation.

As the necropsy continues and researchers work to learn more about the elusive oarfish, this latest discovery reminds us of the vast mysteries that remain hidden in the depths of the ocean. Whether viewed from a folk or scientific perspective, the oarfish continues to capture our imagination and pique our curiosity about the natural world.