On February 10, 2025, beachgoers at Playa Quemada in Lanzarote, part of Spain’s Canary Islands, encountered a rare deep-sea creature: the oarfish. This unusual event has sparked a mix of awe, superstition, and scientific curiosity, as oarfish are seldom seen near the surface and have long been associated with folklore predicting natural disasters.

The Oarfish: A Deep-Sea Enigma

Oarfish (genus Regalecus) are elongated, ribbon-like fish that inhabit the mesopelagic zone of the ocean, typically at depths ranging from 200 to 1,000 meters. They can reach lengths of up to 11 meters, making them the longest bony fish known. Their silvery bodies and distinctive red fins have likely inspired tales of sea serpents throughout history. Due to their deep-sea habitat, sightings are rare, and they are usually observed only when sick or deceased specimens wash ashore.

Folklore and Superstition

In various cultures, oarfish are considered harbingers of doom. Japanese folklore refers to them as “Ryūgū no tsukai,” or “Messenger from the Sea God’s Palace,” and their appearance is traditionally believed to precede earthquakes or tsunamis. This belief was reinforced in 2011 when multiple oarfish were found stranded on Japanese beaches shortly before the devastating Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Similarly, in some Western cultures, the oarfish has been dubbed the “doomsday fish,” with its rare appearances fueling speculation about impending natural disasters.

The Lanzarote Sighting

The recent discovery in Lanzarote has reignited these superstitions. A video capturing the moment shows a man attempting to assist the stranded oarfish back into deeper waters. The footage quickly went viral, amassing over nine million views on Instagram. Commenters expressed a range of emotions, from fascination to fear, with some suggesting that the oarfish’s appearance could be an omen of an upcoming seismic event.

Scientific Perspective

Despite the folklore, scientific evidence linking oarfish sightings to imminent natural disasters is lacking. Researchers have investigated potential correlations between oarfish strandings and seismic activity but have found no significant connections. A study published in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America analyzed records of deep-sea fish appearances and earthquakes in Japan and concluded that such sightings are not reliable predictors of seismic events. The study stated, “As a result, one can hardly confirm the association between the two phenomena.”

Experts suggest that oarfish may surface due to factors unrelated to tectonic activity. These could include changes in ocean currents, water temperature fluctuations, or the fish experiencing illness or disorientation. Marine biologist Dr. Milton Love from the University of California, Santa Barbara, noted, “There is no evidence that I know of to suggest that oarfish come into shallow waters in response to, or preparation of, earthquakes.”

Recent Similar Incidents

The Lanzarote event is not isolated. In early February 2025, an oarfish was spotted near the shore of Playa El Quemado in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Witnesses observed the fish repeatedly returning to the beach despite attempts to guide it back to deeper waters. Such occurrences, while rare, have been documented in various parts of the world and continue to captivate public interest.

The appearance of an oarfish on the shores of the Canary Islands has stirred a blend of cultural superstitions and scientific inquiry. While folklore associates these deep-sea dwellers with impending natural disasters, current scientific research does not support a causal link between oarfish sightings and seismic activity. As our understanding of marine life deepens, such events highlight the importance of distinguishing between myth and evidence-based science.

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