Rare ‘doomsday’ oarfish spotted off California coast, last seen over 100 years ago

California coast has ignited considerable interest within both scientific communities and popular media. Known for its elongated, ribbon-like body and mysterious reputation, the oarfish (Regalecus glesne) is often associated with folklore surrounding impending natural disasters, earning it the moniker "doomsday fish." This particular specimen was observed near San Diego, marking one of the few documented encounters with this elusive species in over a century. Such occurrences prompt critical discussions regarding marine biodiversity and the ecological significance of deep-sea organisms.

Oarfish inhabit depths of up to 1,000 meters, making them difficult to study and observe in their natural environment. The rarity of sightings can be attributed to their deep-sea habitat and elusive nature; they are seldom encountered by humans. Historically perceived as harbingers of doom due to their unusual appearance and association with seismic activity, oarfish have become subjects of fascination not only for marine biologists but also within cultural narratives. The last confirmed sighting prior to this event occurred more than 100 years ago, underscoring the importance of this recent observation.

The silvery, 3.6-metre oarfish was found last weekend by a group of snorkelers and kayakers, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography said in a statement on Thursday.

According to fish expert Ben Frable, this is only the 20th time an oarfish has been recorded washing up in California since 1901.

mesopelagic zone, where light cannot reach, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Noaa has described the fish as “strange and mysterious” creatures that scientists know little about.

Oarfish are sometimes called doomsday fish due to their mythical reputation as predictors of natural disasters or earthquakes.

Oarfish are known to have washed up in California only 20 times since 1901, according to Ben Frable, a fish expert withthe Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

09 July 2018, Germany, Stralsund: The replica of an oarfish hangs in the exhibition of the Oceanarium at the port. The Oceanarium is the top of the line of the Mecklenburg-Western Pomeranian museum landscape. Since its opening ten years ago 6,2 million people visited the Oceanarium. Now, the fusion with the Oceanographic Museum is planned.

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Sarah H

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