A rare 9-foot oarfish, often referred to as the “doomsday fish,” was discovered washed up on Grandview Beach in Encinitas, California, on November 6. This unusual sighting marks the third time such a creature has been spotted along the California coast this year and the 22nd sighting of the species reported over the past century.
The discovery was made by Alison Laferriere, a researcher from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. Following its retrieval, the deceased specimen was transported to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center for examination and analysis.
“We’ve collected samples and frozen the specimen for greater analysis and eventual preservation within our Marine Vertebrate Collection,” remarked Ben Frable, who manages the collection at Scripps Oceanography. The opportunity to study this oarfish could lead to new discoveries about its biology and life history.
Mythology plays a significant role in the perception of oarfish. They are deeply entrenched in Japanese folklore, where they are considered omens of natural disasters such as earthquakes or tsunamis. This notion gained traction particularly after multiple sightings of oarfish preceded the devastating 2011 earthquake off the coast of Japan.
While some believe the surfacing of these deep-sea dwellers is linked to tectonic activity, scientific findings have painted a more complex picture. A 2019 study published by GeoScience found no substantial correlation between oarfish appearances and seismic events. Despite this, the local lore surrounding these creatures continues to intrigue and spook communities.
Oarfish thrive at incredible ocean depths, often found around 3,000 feet below the surface. Due to their lengthy, ribbon-like bodies, which can reach lengths of up to 30 feet, they have historically inspired myths and tales of sea serpents. Observing these elusive creatures alive remains uncommon, sparking curiosity among scientists about their behavior and biology.
Marine biologist Dahiana Arcila, curator of the Marine Vertebrate Collection, stated, “This specimen offers us a rare chance to gather fresh samples for genomic studies.” These analyses could help clarify the evolutionary adaptations, allowing oarfish to thrive under extreme conditions within the ocean’s depths.
Notably, another oarfish was found at Huntington Beach just weeks prior to the Encinitas sighting, though it was unfortunately in poor condition. Experts are left pondering the reasons behind this increasing trend of strandings, with hypotheses including shifts in ocean conditions and their impact on oarfish populations along the Californian coast.
Frable noted, “This stranding coincided with recent occurrences of red tides and the Santa Ana winds.” Such climatic phenomena may play unknowable roles affecting deep-sea habitats, stressing the importance of continued monitoring and research.
Efforts to unravel the mysteries of these deep-sea giants are just beginning. With each stranding, scientists hope to gain insights not only about oarfish but also about the broader ecosystem and hidden marvels of marine life. The captivating nature of the oarfish story continues to draw attention as researchers search for answers beneath the waves.
