What Is Doomsday Fish and It's Connection To Japanese Folklore?

Feb 22, 2025 Republic Lifestyle Desk

Doomsday Fish is also known as Oarfish. It is an extremely long pelagic lampriform fish. Source: X

The doomsday fish is basically found in temperate ocean zones to tropical ones. Source: Instagram

Taking in to their large size, they are rarely spotted the surface unless they are sick, dying or something bigger incidents are about to happen. Source: Instagram

But, do you know, doomsday fish's rare occurence has reignited the discussion of this creature being the harbinger of doom? Source: Reddit

A folk belief has been reinforced by the numerous beachings before the disastrous 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami happened. Source: Reddit

This oarfish in Japanese folklore is called as the 'Messenger from the Sea God's Palace' and is said to warn about earthquakes. Source: Reddit

After 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Japan pointed to the 20 oarfish washed up on the country's beaches in 2009 and 2010 in line. Source: Reddit

The oarfish inhabits the epipelagic to mesopelagic ocean layers, ranging from 250 meters (660 ft) to 1,000 meters (3,300 ft) and is rarely seen on the surface. Source: Reddit

A few have been found still barely alive, but usually if one floats to the surface, it dies due to depressurisation. Source: Reddit

The appearances of the fish has always been linked with subsequent natural disasters, namely earthquakes or tsunamis. Source: Reddit