https://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/2025/02/17/oarfish-swims-beachgoers-shallow-water/78968494007/
Rare Deep-Sea Oarfish Spotted in Mexico
Beachgoers in Baja California Sur, Mexico, witnessed an extraordinary sight on February 9, when a shimmering oarfish—a deep-sea creature associated with legends of impending doom—was seen swimming near the shore. The moment, captured on video, has sparked widespread fascination and speculation.
Oarfish: A Deep-Sea Mystery
Oarfish, known scientifically as Regalecus glesne, are rarely seen alive due to their deep-sea habitat, usually at depths of 200 to 1,000 meters. However, this specimen surfaced in the clear, shallow waters, drawing a crowd of stunned onlookers.
The ‘Doomsday’ Folklore Connection
In Japanese folklore, oarfish sightings are believed to precede natural disasters, particularly earthquakes. Known as ryugu no tsukai or “messengers from the sea god’s palace,” these creatures were thought to warn of seismic activity by surfacing ahead of major tremors. While no scientific link has been confirmed, their rare appearances continue to intrigue experts and locals alike.
Recent Oarfish Sightings in California
The Mexico sighting follows a series of oarfish discoveries in Southern California last year. In August 2024, a 12-foot-long oarfish was recovered at La Jolla Cove, San Diego, marking the first sighting in nearly 125 years. Later, in September, another oarfish was found dead at Huntington Beach, Orange County, and in November, a 10-foot specimen washed ashore in Encinitas, about 25 miles north of San Diego.
What Do Scientists Say?
Despite their mythical reputation, scientists have yet to establish a definitive reason for oarfish strandings. Ben Frable, a fish expert at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, suggests factors such as:
- Climate changes linked to El Niño and La Niña
- Shifts in ocean currents and water temperature
- Natural death occurrences from disease or age
These strandings offer rare opportunities to study oarfish biology, given their elusive deep-sea existence.
What’s Next?
With the growing frequency of oarfish sightings, marine biologists are keen to investigate potential environmental changes influencing their behavior. Whether they truly serve as nature’s warning signals or are simply victims of shifting ocean conditions, their mysterious presence continues to captivate people worldwide.
What do you think? Are oarfish harbingers of disaster or just deep-sea wanderers? Share your thoughts!
