'Doomsday' fish washes up in Canary Islands, sparking fears of disaster

A rare oarfish, often linked to myths predicting earthquakes and tsunamis,

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A rare oarfish, often associated with myths predicting natural disasters, has washed up on a beach in the Canary Islands, prompting concern among locals and online commentators.

The deep-sea creature was discovered by beachgoers at Playa Quemada, with footage of the incident quickly going viral. The video, shows a man in swim shorts approaching the silver fish with its striking translucent orange fins in an attempt to rescue it.

 

 

 

 

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In Japanese mythology, the oarfish is known as Ryūgū no tsukai—or "messenger of the Sea God"—and has long been considered an omen of catastrophic events such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and hurricanes.

Photo: The sea creature was discovered by bathers Jam Press/Greg Hayes

Its presence near the surface is rare, as the species typically inhabits deep ocean waters, making it difficult to study.

The sighting has fueled speculation online, with social media users expressing alarm. One commenter wrote, "Something bad is going to happen," while another stated, "They show up before natural disasters." Others urged people to return the fish to the sea, fearing its presence could signal an impending seismic event.

Last time a rare oarfish, long associated with myths of impending disaster, had washed up on a California beach for the second time since November 2024.

The nearly 10-foot-long creature was discovered last week on a beach in Encinitas, Southern California, by Alison Laferriere, a PhD candidate at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego.

Photo: Mysterious 'doomsday fish' washes up on California beach

Oarfish, which can grow up to 20 feet long, are elusive deep-sea creatures that typically inhabit the mesopelagic zone, about 3,300 feet below the ocean surface, where light does not reach.