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

Doomsday Oarfish Found in Tasmania

A rare oarfish, often referred to as a “doomsday fish,” was discovered on Tasmania’s west coast at Ocean Beach near Strahan on Monday, June 3, 2025. The fish, estimated to be around three meters long, was found by Sybil Robertson while she was walking her dog. The oarfish, known for its long, silvery body and deep-sea habitat, is a rare sight, typically living at depths of 150 to 500 meters in the open ocean.

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.

Details of the Discovery

• Location: Ocean Beach, near Strahan, on Tasmania’s west coast

• Discoverer: Sybil Robertson

• Date: Monday, June 3, 2025

• Size: Estimated to be around three meters long

• Condition: In good condition initially, but later decimated by crows and eagles

Significance and Rarity

• Rarity: Oarfish are one of the ocean’s longest fish, growing up to eight meters in length and weighing over 400 kg. They are rarely seen due to their deep-sea habitat.

• Mythology: Often nicknamed the “king of herrings” or “doomsday fish,” oarfish have been associated with myths and legends, including the belief that they are harbingers of natural disasters, particularly in Japanese folklore.

• Scientific Perspective: Marine biologists, such as Associate Professor Neville Barrett from the University of Tasmania, emphasize that there is no scientific evidence linking oarfish sightings to natural disasters. The appearance of these fish on shore is considered a random event.

Previous Sightings

• Canary Islands: In February 2025, an oarfish was found on the coast of Playa Quemada in Lanzarote, sparking online discussions and viral videos.

• California: In 2013, multiple oarfish were found on California beaches, coinciding with a 4.4 magnitude earthquake in Los Angeles, which revived talk of their unproven connection to natural disasters.

• Neville Barrett: Described the oarfish as a “beauty” and noted that it is very rare for one to wash ashore. He explained that oarfish are typically found in the mesopelagic zone, where they live at depths of 200 to 500 meters, and sometimes even deeper.

• John Pogonoski: Noted that Australia has at least 70 records of oarfish specimens that have washed up on beaches, highlighting the rarity of such events.

Community Reaction

• Social Media: Robertson’s discovery was shared on the Citizen Scientists of Tasmania social media page, where it was quickly identified as an oarfish. The post gained significant attention and sparked discussions about the fish’s significance.

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