An elusive oarfish was recently spotted in shallow waters off Baja California Sur, Mexico, sparking legends about it being a “doomsday fish” linked to impending disasters. These deep-sea creatures, known for their long, ribbon-like bodies and vibrant orange fins, are often believed to surface only when sick or disoriented. Sightings have increased, leading some to fear that bad news may follow. However, experts attribute these occurrences to environmental changes rather than impending doom, noting that oarfish typically inhabit depths of up to 3,280 feet and can grow up to 36 feet long.
An elusive oarfish has been observed in the shallow waters off Baja California Sur, situated along Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Renowned for its long, ribbon-like form and striking orange fins, this deep-sea inhabitant is also known as the “doomsday fish.” According to legend, it frequently surfaces before a looming disaster.
As stated by Ocean Conservancy (a nonprofit dedicated to environmental advocacy), this peculiar fish is perceived as a portent of unfortunate events, particularly disasters or devastation.
In Japanese mythology, the oarfish is referred to as “Ryugu no tsukai,” which means “Messenger of the Sea God.” Notably, about 20 oarfish washed up before Japan’s 2011 earthquake, which is considered one of the most catastrophic in history.
An X user by the name of FearBuck uploaded a video showcasing the fish, commenting, “A deep-sea creature rarely seen by humans, the oarfish has washed ashore in Mexico!”
A deep-sea creature rarely seen by humans called the oarfish has washed ashore in Mexico!
Legend has it that this enigmatic “doomsday fish” only appears from the depths of the ocean when danger is near ????
pic.twitter.com/NciJ7jbEbo
— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) February 18, 2025
Many users flocked to the comment section, rekindling ancient worries.
“Multiple oarfish have been sighted on beaches recently. Does that imply doomsday × 3 is approaching?” one commenter pondered.
There have actually been multiple oarfish that have been spotted on beaches recently. Does that mean doomsday × 3 is coming? ???? pic.twitter.com/ubJwxwze4Z
— bstrat515 ???????? (@bstrat515) February 18, 2025
Another individual remarked, “What is happening in the depths of the ocean that is causing all these deep-sea fish to suddenly appear?”
What is going on in the bottom of the ocean that has all these deep sea fish suddenly surfacing?
— SUAREZ (@suayrez) February 18, 2025
One user noted that oarfish “typically surface only when they are unwell, dying, or disoriented, making sightings infrequent.”
Nope. Oarfish usually surface only when they are sick, dying, or disoriented, making sightings rare. They are often found washed up on beaches after storms, as their presence near the surface is typically a sign of distress rather than normal behavior.
— Gaurav Lal (@goraavlol) February 19, 2025
Experts contest the notion that sightings are consistently tied to an imminent calamity. They assert that shifts in ocean conditions, including phenomena like El Niño and La Niña, may have contributed to the uptick in sightings. Additionally, variations in water temperature, illness, and injuries may have caused the fish to rise to the surface.
According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, oarfish can reach lengths of up to 36 feet. They inhabit depths as profound as 3,280 feet (1,000 meters), although they are most commonly found at 656 feet (200 meters).