In a remarkable and unsettling encounter, two Australian fishermen recently reeled in a creature straight out of the ocean’s deepest, most mysterious corners—a fish so rare and bizarre that locals have dubbed it the “Doomsday Fish.”
This deep-sea dweller, known scientifically as a ribbonfish or oarfish, has long been associated with folklore and superstitions, particularly in Japan, where its rare appearances have been linked to natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. This latest catch off the coast of Australia has once again sparked a wave of fascination and speculation, reminding us of the ocean’s mysteries that continue to bewilder scientists and mariners alike.
What Is an Oarfish AKA Doomsday Fish?
photo credit: Fishing Australia TV / Facebook
The oarfish belongs to the family Regalecidae, and its species, Regalecus glesne, is also known as the oarfish, thanks to its paddle-like pectoral fins. This species holds the record for the longest bony fish in the world, with documented specimens reaching up to 11 meters (36 feet) in length. Oarfish live in deep ocean waters, typically between 200 to 1,000 meters (660 to 3,280 feet) below the surface, which makes sightings extremely rare.
The oarfish’s nickname, “Doomsday Fish,” comes from its association with natural disasters. In Japan, the fish has a long-standing place in folklore as a harbinger of earthquakes and tsunamis. Local legend has it that when an oarfish surfaces, it is a sign that seismic activity is imminent. While there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, the connection between ribbonfish appearances and disasters has persisted for centuries, fueling public curiosity every time one is caught.
On a calm day near the waters of Coffs Harbour in New South Wales, Australia, fishermen Drew Dent and Brad Nicholls embarked on what they thought would be a routine trip. Instead, they hauled in a massive, silver-hued fish that was unlike anything they had ever seen. Measuring over six meters in length (about 20 feet) and resembling a sea serpent, the fish had an elongated, ribbon-like body with a striking dorsal fin that ran the length of its spine. Its mouth was small, lined with delicate teeth, and its bulging eyes seemed almost otherworldly.
“We thought it was some kind of weird eel at first, but then we saw the long fin and those big eyes,” Nicholls told local reporters. “We knew we had something rare on our hands.” Despite their years of experience fishing in Australian waters, neither Dent nor Nicholls had ever encountered anything remotely similar.
Deep-Sea Mysteries and Folklore
The deep ocean remains one of the least explored parts of our planet. While space exploration often captures the public’s imagination, the depths of the sea—often referred to as Earth’s “inner space”—are home to countless creatures that scientists have yet to fully study. The ribbonfish, like many deep-sea species, is an elusive creature that lives far beyond the reach of sunlight and only comes to the surface under unusual circumstances, such as illness, injury, or changes in water temperature.
In Japan, the fish is known as the ryugu no tsukai or “Messenger from the Sea God’s Palace.” The fish is believed to serve as an omen, with Japanese fishermen often taking it as a warning to brace for seismic events. In fact, several ribbonfish washed ashore in Japan shortly before the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami, further cementing its place in local lore. This recent catch in Australian waters, though far from Japan, has reignited discussions about whether these creatures can sense changes in the Earth’s crust or if their appearances are mere coincidence.
What Does Science Say?
While it’s tempting to draw links between the ribbonfish and natural disasters, scientists remain skeptical of any direct correlation. Seismologists and marine biologists generally agree that the oarfish’s appearances near the surface are likely due to environmental factors such as changes in ocean currents, water temperature, or even illness rather than an innate ability to predict earthquakes.
Professor Daniel Cartwright, a marine biologist at the University of Sydney, suggests that ribbonfish may come closer to the surface when they are disoriented or stressed, either by changes in their environment or by physiological problems. “The deep ocean is a highly stable environment, and any shifts—whether it’s temperature, food availability, or water pressure—could cause these creatures to behave erratically,” Cartwright explained in an interview. “We’ve seen similar behavior in other deep-sea species, and it’s likely the same factors are at play here.”
That being said, Cartwright acknowledges that the rarity of ribbonfish sightings makes them a subject of fascination. “It’s not every day that we get to study a fish that lives in such remote, inhospitable conditions,” he noted. “Every specimen we encounter helps us learn more about life in the deep ocean, which remains one of the greatest frontiers of marine science.”
Environmental Implications
The appearance of deep-sea creatures like the ribbonfish may offer clues about changes in the marine ecosystem. Rising ocean temperatures, pollution, and other human activities are affecting even the most remote parts of the ocean. Some scientists speculate that climate change could be altering the behavior of deep-sea animals, pushing them out of their usual habitats and into shallower waters where they are more likely to be encountered by humans.
In the case of the ribbonfish caught off the coast of Australia, researchers are still analyzing environmental data to determine whether any unusual oceanographic conditions might have prompted its appearance. Preliminary reports suggest that the area had recently experienced warmer-than-usual sea temperatures, which could have contributed to the fish’s journey to the surface.
The Fishermen’s Reaction
For Dent and Nicholls, the catch of the “Doomsday Fish” will likely go down as one of the most memorable moments of their fishing careers. After capturing footage and photographs of their strange catch, they released the fish back into the water, unsure of how to handle such a rare and delicate creature.
“It was unlike anything we’d ever seen,” Dent recalled. “We’re still getting messages from people all over the world asking us about it.” The pair have since gained a level of local fame, with their story spreading quickly through social media and local news outlets.
A Reminder of the Ocean’s Mysteries
This extraordinary encounter off the coast of Australia serves as a reminder of the many mysteries that still lurk beneath the ocean’s surface. The appearance of the oarfish, with its eerie, snake-like body and long-standing association with disaster, has captured the imaginations of people around the world. But beyond the folklore and superstitions, this rare sighting offers a valuable opportunity for scientists to study one of the ocean’s most elusive inhabitants.
As human activity continues to encroach on the marine environment, it is crucial to continue exploring and understanding the ocean’s depths. Each new discovery, whether it’s a strange and beautiful “Doomsday Fish” or a previously unknown species, brings us closer to unlocking the secrets of our planet’s last great frontier—the deep sea.
If you thought this was cool check out: Deep Sea Fisherman Shares The Alien-Like Creatures He Catches In The Ocean
- Share On Facebook
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- VKontakte
- Flattr
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link