The Legendary 'Doomsday Fish' Reappears on a Mexican Beach, Sparking Questions
Beachgoers in Mexico witnessed a rare moment when they discovered an oarfish, often called the "Doomsday Fish," floating near the shore at Playa El Quemado in Baja California Sur on February 9.
A Shocking Discovery on the Beach
The extraordinary sighting was captured on video by Robert Hayes, showing the long, brightly colored fish writhing in the water, astonishing those present. In the footage, one person exclaims: "That's an oarfish! Holy s---, they’re almost never seen alive."
Another beachgoer adds: "Nobody’s gonna believe this! The first oarfish I ever saw was 24 feet long. Some have been found up to 30 feet."
Attempts to Save the Mysterious Fish
According to Hayes, the fish "swam straight at us, lifting its head about two inches above the water." Despite multiple attempts to guide it back into deeper waters, the fish kept returning to shore. This led some onlookers to suspect that it was either injured or sick. One person in the video expressed their intention to take it to a marine biologist for examination.
The Myth and Science Behind the 'Doomsday Fish'
The oarfish has long been linked to an ancient legend suggesting that its appearance near shore is a warning sign of impending natural disasters, particularly earthquakes. This belief gained traction after 20 oarfish were spotted on Japanese beaches in 2011, just months before the country experienced its most devastating earthquake in recorded history.
A more recent incident occurred in Los Angeles in August 2024, when an oarfish sighting was followed by a 4.4-magnitude earthquake just two days later.
However, scientific experts offer a different perspective. Ben Frable, manager of the Scripps Oceanography Marine Vertebrate Collection, suggests that oarfish washing ashore may be linked to changes in oceanic conditions, including the effects of El Niño and La Niña, which influence ocean currents and marine life behavior.
Previous Sightings Add to the Mystery
This is not the first time an oarfish has been found in unexpected locations. In November 2024, a dead oarfish was discovered on a beach in California, and another was found by a group of explorers at La Jolla Cove near San Diego in August 2024.
Is There a Connection Between Oarfish and Earthquakes?
Despite repeated instances of oarfish appearing before seismic activity, scientists have yet to establish a direct link between the two phenomena. Nevertheless, the rare emergence of these deep-sea creatures continues to fuel debate between those who believe in ancient omens and researchers searching for logical explanations.