Since May 2025, a series of rare oarfish sightings in India, Australia, New Zealand, and California has stirred both public fascination and scientific concern. Known as the “doomsday fish” in Japanese folklore, oarfish are often believed to surface before natural disasters, an eerie association reignited by their recent global appearances.
Tamil Nadu: The First Sign in 2025
In late May, local fishermen off the coast of Tamil Nadu caught a nearly 30-foot-long oarfish. The massive creature required seven men to hoist it for a photograph, which quickly went viral. The incident marked the start of an unusual worldwide pattern.
Tasmania’s Coastal Surprise Fuels Earthquake Speculation
Just days later, on June 2, a 3-meter-long oarfish washed ashore on Tasmania’s west coast. Spotted by resident Sybil Robertson, the image she posted online spurred speculation that seismic activity might follow. This revived traditional beliefs tying oarfish sightings to earthquakes.
New Zealand Rattled by Twin Appearances
In early June, New Zealand recorded two rare sightings in the same week. One oarfish was found near Dunedin, and another, headless, washed up near Birdlings Flat close to Christchurch. The unsettling events sparked alarm among locals and scientists alike.
2024 Sightings Reignite Oarfish–Earthquake Theory
Before the 2025 surge, oarfish sightings already caught attention in 2024. A 12-foot-long specimen surfaced off San Diego, California, in August—just two days before a 4.4-magnitude earthquake hit Los Angeles. The timing fueled theories about oarfish being sensitive to undersea tectonic activity.
Massive Oarfish Found in Northern Australia
In September 2024, a massive oarfish appeared near the Tiwi Islands in Australia’s Northern Territory. Curtis Peterson of Tiwi Islands Adventures shared the sighting online, where its serpent-like form drew comparisons to mythical sea monsters.
Oarfish: Prophetic Creature or Victim of Ocean Change?
While cultural legends brand oarfish as harbingers of disaster, scientists suggest more plausible causes: underwater seismic shifts, water temperature anomalies, or illness. “Though some sightings have preceded earthquakes, there’s no conclusive evidence yet—only growing curiosity about their sensitivity to environmental shifts,” one expert explained.
What is an Oarfish?
Oarfish are elongated, ribbon-like deep-sea dwellers that can grow over 30 feet in length, making them the longest known bony fish. Typically living at depths between 200 to 1,000 meters, they feed on plankton and crustaceans and pose no danger to humans.
In Japanese folklore, oarfish are thought to surface as warnings of impending earthquakes or tsunamis. Despite a lack of scientific proof, their behavior continues to mystify researchers.
