Is the Oarfish a Bad Sign? The Truth Behind the ‘Doomsday Fish’ Legend

The ocean has many fascinating and elusive creatures, but few have sparked as much intrigue and fear as the oarfish (Regalecus glesne). Known for its long, ribbon-like body and shimmering silver scales, this deep-sea dweller has earned a reputation as a harbinger of doom, especially in Japanese folklore. Despite its striking appearance and mysterious behaviors, scientific research suggests that the connection between oarfish sightings and natural disasters is more myth than reality.

A Legendary Messenger of Disaster

In Japanese culture, the oarfish is often called “Ryūgū-No-Tsukai” (竜宮の使い), which translates to “Messenger from the Sea God’s Palace.” According to folklore, when these fish appear near the surface or wash ashore, it is believed to signal an impending earthquake or tsunami. This belief gained significant attention after the devastating 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which claimed over 20,000 lives. In the years leading up to the disaster, nearly 20 oarfish were reportedly found on Japan’s shores, reinforcing the idea that they serve as nature’s warning system.

Deep-Sea Giants: The True Nature of Oarfish

Oarfish are among the longest bony fish in the world, reaching lengths of over 30 feet (9 meters). Their habitat lies in the mesopelagic zone, or the twilight zone of the ocean, which extends up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) below the surface. Because this region remains largely unexplored, many aspects of the oarfish’s behavior remain unknown.

Scientific Perspective: Myth vs. Reality

While the connection between oarfish sightings and earthquakes is widely discussed, no concrete scientific evidence supports this claim. A 2019 study referred to this belief as an “illusory correlation”, meaning that humans tend to see patterns where none exist. Instead of being predictors of earthquakes, oarfish are more likely to appear near the surface due to sickness, disorientation, or changing oceanic conditions such as deep-sea currents and temperature fluctuations.

What Do Oarfish Appear Near the Surface?

Since oarfish typically reside in the deep ocean, their presence near the shore is highly unusual. When they are seen at the surface, it is often due to one of the following reasons:

Sickness or Injury: Many oarfish found near the shore are weak or dying.

Ocean Currents & Climate Changes: Shifting deep-sea currents and temperature variations can force them into shallow waters.

The Enduring Mystery of orafish

The myth of the oarfish as a “doomsday fish” endures despite scientific explanations, especially in societies that have a close relationship to natural calamities. The oarfish continues to enthrall scientists, ocean explorers, and folklore aficionados alike, whether they view it as a mythological warning sign or as a misinterpreted deep-sea wonder.