Exceptionally Rare "Doomsday Fish" Discovered Off Southern California Coast

How it earned its nickname is really intriguing—and a bit scary.

Damjan

• Published in Animals
• August 18, 2024

Marine life can often surprise us with its mysteries, which occasionally make headlines. Recently, a scarce fish, the oarfish, was found along the Southern California coast.

This unusual creature, sometimes called a "doomsday fish," has sparked interest not only because of its rarity but also due to its intriguing reputation.

The oarfish is known for its striking appearance and enormous size. Characterized by its ribbon-like body and shimmering silver scales, it can grow to over 30 feet.

This deep-sea dweller typically inhabits the most remote parts of the ocean, making it an elusive species rarely seen. Its large eyes and prominent red spines add to its dramatic look, contributing to its nickname.

On August 10, 2024, a 12-foot oarfish was discovered near La Jolla Cove. Unfortunately, the fish was already dead when it was found.

Since oarfish usually stay in deep waters, their appearance near the surface often indicates they are sick or disoriented. The sighting of this oarfish is especially notable because it is one of fewer than 20 documented instances of such fish appearing along California's coast in over a century.

The discovery of this oarfish involved several organizations. Local lifeguards and teams from the NOAA Fisheries Service and the California Sea Grant helped transport the fish to a NOAA facility.

Scientists from NOAA and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography are planning to conduct an autopsy to investigate the cause of the fish's death. This examination will provide valuable insights into the health and biology of this rare species.

Once the scientific analysis is complete, the oarfish's remains will be preserved and displayed in the Scripps Marine Vertebrate Collection. This collection is renowned for housing one of the largest assemblages of deep-sea fish specimens globally.

The oarfish will add to the institution's extensive records, offering researchers and the public a rare glimpse into the life of this enigmatic creature.

Oarfish have a peculiar reputation in various cultures, often associated with impending disasters. In Japan, for instance, there were reports of oarfish washing ashore just before the devastating 2011 earthquake.

This belief in the oarfish as a forewarning of calamities is reflected in its nickname, "doomsday fish." Interestingly, the California oarfish was discovered just days before a minor earthquake of magnitude 4.4 struck Los Angeles, fueling further speculation about the fish's supposed prophetic powers.

The oarfish is an impressive, unusual fish known for its long, silvery, ribbon-like body. These deep-sea creatures thrive in some of the most uncharted waters, making them a fascinating subject for scientists.

On August 10, oceangoers spotted a fish that was 12 feet long, as reported by the institution.

The oarfish is rare, and its unusual appearance makes it even more fascinating. The main goal now is to learn more about this deep-sea giant. The autopsy and further research should provide insights into why it ended on the surface and add to our understanding of marine life.

Finding such a rare fish shows how amazing the ocean can be and emphasizes the importance of continuing marine research. It also points to the links between marine events and natural occurrences, illustrating the ongoing mystery and connection between nature and our world.

Damjan