Rare ‘doomsday fish’ wash ashore, in India and Australia sparking doomsday fears

Jun 5, 2025

Rare ‘doomsday fish’ wash ashore, in India and Australia sparking doomsday fears

Jun 5, 2025

Two rare deep-sea oarfish, often dubbed “doomsday fish,” washed ashore in separate incidents this week, one in Tamil Nadu, India, and the other in Tasmania, Australia.

AccuWeather reported these events on June 4, 2025, reignited ancient legends linking the mysterious creatures to impending natural disasters, sparking widespread speculation and fascination online.

Oarfish, known scientifically as Regalecus glesne, are among the longest bony fish in the world, capable of reaching lengths of up to 56 feet.


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Their serpentine, silvery bodies and red dorsal fins give them an otherworldly appearance, fueling myths of sea serpents and omens. Typically dwelling thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface, oarfish are rarely seen unless sick, disoriented, or near death, which adds to their mystique.

In Tamil Nadu, fishermen hauled a massive 30-foot oarfish from the water, its shimmering silver body and red crest requiring six men to manage.

Locals quickly shared images on social media, referring to it as the “Pralaya fish,” a term tied to ominous predictions of earthquakes or tsunamis.

Similarly, a beachgoer who posted photos to a local citizen science group found a smaller oarfish, described as “a good three paces” in length in Tasmania.

The images went viral on Reddit, with one user noting, “We’re seeing a lot of these rare ‘doomsday’ fish washing up these days, aren’t we?”

The “doomsday” moniker stems from folklore, particularly in Japan, where oarfish are called “Ryugu no tsukai,” or “messengers from the sea god’s palace.”

Sightings have historically been associated with natural disasters, a belief amplified by events like the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, when several oarfish washed ashore in the preceding months.

However, a 2019 study by Japanese researchers found no scientific correlation between oarfish strandings and seismic activity, suggesting these appearances may be linked to natural oceanic cycles or environmental changes.

Despite the lack of evidence, the timing of these strandings—coming amid global concerns about climate shifts and ocean conditions—has fueled superstition.

Scientists speculate that changes like El Niño or La Niña cycles could drive deep-sea creatures like oarfish closer to shore, though no definitive cause has been pinpointed.

For now, the oarfish sightings continue to captivate, blending scientific curiosity with ancient lore. As social media buzzes with speculation, these enigmatic creatures remind us of the ocean’s mysteries and the enduring power of myth in the modern age.

About the Author

End Time Headlines is a ministry founded, owned, and operated by Ricky Scaparo, established in 2010 to equip believers and inform discerning individuals about the “Signs and Seasons” of the times in which we live. Ricky authors original articles and curates news from mainstream sources, carefully selecting topics, verifying information, and utilizing artificial intelligence tools to ensure content is both timely and accurate. Every piece is personally reviewed and edited by Ricky to align with the ministry’s mission of providing a prophetic perspective on current events.

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