Beachgoers in Mexico had a rare sighting of a live oarfish, known as a “doomsday fish,” at Baja California Sur beach in February. Oarfish are deep sea creatures that have been seen in Japanese folklore as a sign of impending disaster. Last year, three dead oarfish were found in Southern California, including in San Diego, Orange County, and Encinitas. The presence of oarfish in shallow waters is believed to be an omen of an impending earthquake, according to Japanese folklore dating back to the 17th century. Scientists are unsure why the oarfish have been washing ashore, but each specimen provides a valuable opportunity to learn more about the species. Factors such as climate patterns, like El Niño and La Niña, could be contributing to the strandings of oarfish. These sightings of oarfish, both alive and dead, are unusual as these creatures are typically found in deep waters and are rarely seen by humans.
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