Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Deep-sea “doomsday fish” are mysteriously washing up on shores in Mexico, California, and the Canary Islands—sparking fears that an earthquake or tsunami could be near.
In Japanese folklore, oarfish are messengers of the sea god, warning of earthquakes. With multiple sightings in recent months, many are wondering if disaster is on the horizon.
Screenshot of a video by Robert Hayes via
In 2011, oarfish surfaced before the Fukushima earthquake and tsunami. Now, these deep-sea creatures are appearing again, fueling speculation about another impending seismic event.
Experts say there’s no proven link between oarfish sightings and earthquakes—but why have so many appeared before major disasters? Could environmental changes be the real cause?
Credit: Australian Museum
Living thousands of feet below the surface, oarfish rarely venture near land. Scientists are baffled by recent strandings, questioning whether oceanic shifts or seismic activity are to blame.
Some researchers suggest rising ocean temperatures, pollution, or deep-sea disturbances may be driving oarfish to the surface—signaling changes that could have global consequences.
Social media is ablaze with fear after videos of oarfish went viral. Many believe these rare sightings predict disaster, while skeptics dismiss it as coincidence. Who’s right?
Oarfish are so elusive that they are rarely studied alive. While some fear their arrival, marine scientists see a chance to unlock the secrets of one of the ocean’s strangest creatures.
For centuries, cultures worldwide have linked oarfish to disasters. Are these ancient legends baseless superstition, or could deep-sea creatures sense seismic shifts before we do?