Why are Oarfish called doomsday fish?

 

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Why are Oarfish called doomsday fish?

In 2009, twenty Oarfish were ashore in Japan. After two years, in 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami killed over 20,000 people in Japan. Because of this incident, people started to believe that Oarfish are indicators of disasters. Then, the Oafish was named Doomsday fish.

So the question comes, do they really indicate or predict disasters?

There is no data or research that predicts disasters. Rather, research shows that they ashore when they are sick or about to die. Therefore, they don't predict disasters or they don't indicate any disasters. It's likely a coincidence. 

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Oarfish

Oarfish is a very rare seen fish. They have different types; some are very short and small, while others can grow longer than a school bus. The longest Oarfish that was ever found was 23 feet. They ashore very rarely. They are very long, silver, and big-headed fish.

Their long, silver, ribbon-like bodies are truly one of nature’s wonders. Learn more

Habitat

Oarfish live deep in the ocean, about 500 to 300 feet deep, mostly in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. This is one of the reasons they are very rarely encountered. As already said, they only ashore when they are sick or about to die. They eat tiny plankton, jellyfish, and other small fish, as well as creatures that live deep in the ocean.

Scientist's thoughts

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Scientists don't admit that it predicts any disaster or anything. Scientists see it as a fascinating and kind of mysterious fish, as it lives deep in the ocean and is rarely seen. The incident that happened in 2011, Japan was a coincidence.  

There is no research paper that shows Oarfish and disaster have a direct link. It was just some Japanese people who made rumours. 

Is the Oarfish dangerous?

It's okay to be curious about it, are oarfish dangerous or not, as it seems big, long, and has big eyes. But they are harmless, they don't have any sharp teeth, venom, or any way to harm humans.

Interesting facts 

Here are some interesting facts about Oarfish;

• Longest bony fish: Oarfish can grow up to 36 feet, making it the longest bony fish in the world. 
• Swims upright: Oarfish swims upright like a well-known Seahorse.
• No scales, but shiny skin: They don't have scales; rather, they have very silvery and smooth skin that reflects light and looks very appealing. 

Conclusion

Oarfish are harmless fish that live deep in the ocean. And the reason behind its name, doomsday fish, is the coincidence that happened, and some Japanese cultural beliefs. They are harmless to humans and are rarely seen or studied by humans.

Frequently Asked Question

1. Doomsday fish last seen?

- Doomsday fish was recently spotted in India in May 2025.

2. How many Oarfish are left in the world?

- The exact number is unknown because oarfish live so deep in the ocean and are very rarely seen. They are not currently listed as endangered, but scientists still know very little about their population.

3. Has anyone eaten oarfish?

- They are rarely eaten, but some reports say that someone in Norway has tried it, and the man said it was so bad.