‘Something bad is coming’: Rare ‘doomsday oarfish’ sighting fuels apocalyptic fears

A rare oarfish, often referred to as a "doomsday fish," has been discovered washed up on Playa Quemada beach in Lanzarote. The deep-sea creature, known for its long, ribbon-like body and bright orange fins, is rarely seen near the surface. A video of the discovery has gone viral, amassing millions of views and reigniting age-old fears about its connection to natural disasters.

A Messenger of Doom?

In Japanese folklore, the oarfish is called "Ryūgū no tsukai," meaning "Messenger of the Sea God." Ancient legends claim that the fish rises to the surface before major earthquakes or tsunamis. This belief gained traction in 2011 when over 20 oarfish were found washed up on Japanese shores in the months leading to the devastating Fukushima earthquake and tsunami.


Social media users have echoed these concerns. One commenter on the viral video wrote, "Something bad is going to happen." Another added, "They show up before natural disasters."

Scientific Explanations and Skepticism

Despite its mythical reputation, experts remain sceptical about a direct link between oarfish appearances and seismic activity. Hiroyuki Motomura, a professor of ichthyology at Kagoshima University, dismissed the connection, saying, "The link to reports of seismic activity goes back many, many years, but there is no scientific evidence of a connection, so I don’t think people need to worry."

Rachel Grant, a lecturer in animal biology at Anglia Ruskin University, has suggested a possible explanation. “It’s theoretically possible because when an earthquake occurs there can be a build-up of pressure in the rocks which can lead to electrostatic charges that cause electrically-charged ions to be released into the water,” she said. “This can lead to the formation of hydrogen peroxide, which is a toxic compound. The charged ions can also oxidise organic matter which could either kill the fish or force them to leave the deep ocean and rise to the surface.”

Another scientific theory proposes that before an earthquake, large quantities of carbon monoxide may be released from the seabed, which could affect deep-sea creatures like the oarfish, forcing them into unfamiliar shallow waters.

Not an Isolated Incident

The Canary Islands sighting is not the first time an oarfish has surfaced unexpectedly. In 2013, two oarfish were found on Californian beaches, sparking similar fears. More recently, in 2024, three separate oarfish were discovered along the Southern California coastline, including a 12-foot specimen at La Jolla Cove. These incidents continue to fuel debates about whether the fish’s appearance is merely a rare biological occurrence or a forewarning of disaster.

Climate and Environmental Factors

Some researchers suggest that shifting climate patterns, particularly those associated with El Niño and La Niña, may influence oarfish strandings. Changes in ocean currents, temperature fluctuations, and underwater disturbances could all contribute to pushing these deep-sea dwellers closer to shore.

Ben Frable, an ichthyology expert at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, emphasised that each oarfish discovery is an opportunity to study the species. "Each specimen provides a unique opportunity to learn more about this elusive fish," he said, adding that scientists are still working to understand the full range of factors that bring them to the surface.

The Debate Between Science and Superstition

While experts focus on scientific explanations, public perception remains deeply tied to superstition. Social media continues to buzz with speculation, as many believe that the oarfish’s sudden appearance is an omen. "Usually, it means that an earthquake is coming when it appears on the surface of the water," one commenter warned.

For now, the true reason behind the oarfish’s presence remains uncertain. Whether it is an omen of disaster or simply a rare deep-sea visitor, the sighting has captivated the world, blending science with centuries-old folklore in a debate that refuses to be laid to rest.