Rare "Doomsday Fish" Found in Southern California
A Rare and Ominous Discovery
Kayakers and snorkelers exploring the Southern California coast recently made an extraordinary discovery: a rare oarfish, often nicknamed the "doomsday fish." These elusive creatures are considered harbingers of imminent disasters in some cultures, adding an eerie layer to their rare appearances. According to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, this sighting is one of less than two dozen confirmed oarfish encounters in California over the past 120 years.
The oarfish, described by the Ocean Conservancy as a "strikingly large, odd-looking fish," boasts a long, silvery, ribbon-shaped body that can grow over 30 feet in length. Its appearance is further distinguished by large eyes and a crown-like cluster of red spines, making it a truly unique and unsettling sight. Typically, these deep-sea dwellers thrive in some of the ocean's least explored waters, far from human activity.
Become a Premium Insider
Sign upA Rare Find Near La Jolla Cove
On August 10, a group of oceangoers spotted the 12-foot-long oarfish near the shores of La Jolla Cove. Unfortunately, the fish was already dead at the time of its discovery. Given that oarfish are usually found in the deep ocean, their presence near the surface is often an indication of distress; these fish are typically seen close to shore only when they are sick, dying, or disoriented.
The significance of the sighting is underscored by its rarity: only 20 oarfish have washed up on California's shores since 1901, making each appearance a notable event for marine biologists and ocean enthusiasts alike.
From Shore to Science: Preserving a Deep-Sea Giant
Following the discovery, the group coordinated with NOAA Fisheries Service, California Sea Grant team members, and local lifeguards to transport the oarfish to a NOAA facility. Scientists from the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography are set to perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Once the examination is complete, the remains of the oarfish will be preserved and displayed in the Scripps Marine Vertebrate Collection, one of the world's largest collections of deep-sea fish. This will allow researchers and the public alike to marvel at the deep-sea mystery that is the oarfish and potentially glean more information about its elusive nature.
The Ominous Reputation of the Oarfish
The oarfish's ominous nickname, the "doomsday fish," is not just a product of its unusual appearance. In various cultures, oarfish sightings are believed to precede natural disasters, particularly earthquakes. This belief was underscored by the report of twenty oarfish washing ashore in Japan shortly before the catastrophic 2011 earthquake and tsunami. In a twist of fate, the oarfish found in California appeared just two days before a 4.4-magnitude earthquake rattled the Los Angeles region, fueling local fascination with its eerie reputation.
A Glimpse into the Unknown
The rare sighting of the oarfish along the Southern California coast offers a brief but tantalizing glimpse into the mysterious world of deep-sea life. While the connection between oarfish sightings and natural disasters remains a subject of debate, the opportunity to study this creature up close provides valuable insights into a realm that remains largely unexplored. As scientists continue to examine the oarfish, its presence serves as a reminder of the vast and still largely unknown life that thrives beneath the ocean's surface.
