This belief dates back to 17th century Japan, and sightings of the oarfish were reported ahead of the devastating 2011 Tohoku earthquake and Fukushima nuclear disaster.
However, scientists, including Hiroyuki Motomura, a professor of ichthyology at Kagoshima University, have stated that there is no scientific evidence linking these sightings to seismic activity.
Discovery of a Dead Sea Serpent
Since only 20 oarfish have washed up in California over the last 125 years, making each discovery a unique opportunity for scientific study.
Ben Frable, a fish expert at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, emphasized the rarity of this event, noting that the deep-sea creature typically dwells at depths ranging from 700 to 3,280 feet below the surface and rarely comes up to shallow waters.
Mystery of the Oarfish
A necropsy on the recently discovered oarfish is currently underway as scientists seek to determine the cause of death.
According to Motomura, the oarfish likely rises to the surface when its physical condition deteriorates, often resulting in the creature being found dead. Despite its mysterious appearance, the oarfish’s death is likely unrelated to any impending natural disasters.
