A recent viral image holding seven fishermen in Tamil Nadu with a massive 30-feet, the centuries-old superstitions revived and renewed the global interest in the elusive deep sea being known as the ‘Doomsday Fish’. The observation has become part of an unusual wave of recent global oarfish look – often linked to natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis in folklore. The Tamil Nadu Oarfish is a boom in global observations. Over the past few weeks, one of at least four major observations worldwide has been reported: June 2, 2025-9 foot oarvis has been washed ashore on an Australian beach. Early in June 2025 – Two Oarfish appeared in New Zealand: one near Dunedin and another, headless, near Birdlings Flat near Christchurch. These events follow other high-profile performances over the past year: August 2024-a 12-foot-oarvis was seen from San Diego, California, just two days before an earthquake of 4.4 grown-ups in Los Angeles. September 2024 – Another one after the Tiwi Islands appeared in the northern area of Australia. Superstition and earthquakes in the past, the window has long been in folklore. In the Japanese tradition, it is called the ‘Ryugu No Tsukai’, or ‘messenger from the sea -god’s palace’. Many people believe that his surfaces predict under water seismic activity. Historically, some of these beliefs coincided with devastating earthquake: 2011-Japan: Various observations of the window fish are reported before the catastrophic 9.1 forces Tōhoku earthquake and Tsunami, who killed more than 18,000 people. 2017 Philippines: Two Oarfish appears before the 6.7 powers earthquake Surigao, which caused multiple deaths and was injured hundreds. July 2023-Taiwan: Divers encountered days before a 7.2-meal earthquake, Taiwan’s most powerful in 25 years, who were injured nine and more than 900. These incidents further hedged the reputation of the Oarvis as a disaster. No scientific proof – but the curiosity, despite repeated coincidences, warns scientists against the observations of the Oarvis directly to seismic activity. The fish usually live in deep waters – between 600 and 3,000 feet below the surface – and are rarely seen unless sick, dying or disoriented. Environmental disruption: A possible factor marine experts indicate that the increasing temperature of the ocean, pollution and deep-sea mining can be disturbing Oarvishabitats and drives them closer to the shore. Awe, alarm and ancient beliefs known for their glittering, ribbon-like bodies and impressive size-some up to 36 feet long oarvis observations remain scarce and mysterious. Their sudden appearance often creates a mixture of wonder, alarm and superstition, especially in coastal communities across Asia and the Pacific. Whether it is considered a mythical messenger, climate victim or simply a deep-sea curiosity, the Oarfish continues to stir the debate every time it comes up-which is not only about earthquakes, but also about the health of our oceans.
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