On social media, many viewers were stunned after a viral video captured the moment a rare ‘doomsday’ fish washed ashore, sparking fears of disaster.
Beachgoers spot oarfish in the Canary Islands.
A rare deep-sea oarfish has washed up on a Canary Islands beach, alarming locals.
The massive fish is often linked to natural disasters in folklore. Its sudden appearance has reignited fears of an impending catastrophe.
On social media, beachgoers gained attention after sharing a video of spotting an oarfish in the Canary Islands.
Beachgoers in Playa Quemada discovered the shimmering, orange-fringed fish.
The video of the event has amassed over 9 million views on Instagram. The oarfish, typically found at depths of 3,200 feet, rarely surfaces alive.
One bather attempted to rescue the fish. However, experts say oarfish that swim near the surface are usually sick or dying.
Social media reaction
The video quickly went viral and sparked debate among viewers.
While many feared disaster after spotting the rare ‘doomsday’ fish washed ashore, others suggested that it was merely a natural phenomenon.
One person said: Usually these type of fish appear when an earthquake has happened or if one is coming… the other day the Caribbean Sea was hit with an earthquake and their were tsunami alerts …
A second wrote: That is weird. That other one showed up that never has. Strange things are happening,
While a third commented: Earth fault prob moved crazy or an earthquake so prob a tsunami or hurricane will be coming to that area as this fish was disoriented if something happened that far down As why it surfaced.
Another added: Too late… He’s already in office. Ijs.
Mythology links oarfish to impending disasters
Japanese folklore suggests oarfish appear before earthquakes and tsunamis. They are believed to sense seismic activity and rise to the surface as a warning.
During the two years before the 2011 Fukushima disaster, dozens of oarfish washed ashore. This fueled speculation that they predict earthquakes.
Social media users expressed concern over this recent sighting. One person commented, “Something bad is going to happen.” Another warned, “They show up before natural disasters.”
Experts debunk the doomsday theory
Despite the myths, scientists dismiss claims that oarfish predict disasters.
Hiroyuki Motomura, a professor at Kagoshima University, explains that there is no scientific link between oarfish and earthquakes.
“These fish likely surface when they are unwell,” Motomura said. “They rise with water currents, which is why they are often found dead.”
The oarfish’s appearance may be unusual, but experts urge people not to panic.
While folklore paints it as a warning sign, science suggests a more logical explanation. For now, the ‘doomsday’ fish remains a fascinating deep-sea mystery.