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Rare 12-Foot Oarfish Spotted in Southern California: Harbinger of Disaster or Natural Wonder?
A rare 12-foot oarfish, dubbed "doomsday fish," was found in California, prompting scientists to study its cause of death and display its remains.
On August 10, 2023, a rare oarfish was spotted near La Jolla Cove, California. Oarfish, known as 'doomsday fish' due to their association with impending disasters, are seldom seen in the state. UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography reported that there have been less than two dozen confirmed sightings in over 120 years.
Rare "doomsday fish"
The California oarfish was approximately 12 feet long and had already died when discovered. It is believed that these fish only approach the surface when sick, dying, or disoriented, as they typically reside in deep waters. Since 1901, only 20 oarfish have washed up in California, making this sighting even more unusual.
Collaboration for Investigation
After the discovery, the NOAA Fisheries Service, California Sea Grant team members, and local lifeguards collaborated to transport the oarfish to a NOAA facility. Scientists from the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography plan to conduct a necropsy to determine the cause of death. The remains will be displayed in the Scripps Marine Vertebrate Collection, one of the largest collections of deep-sea fish globally.
Oarfish have garnered attention due to their ominous reputation as indicators of earthquakes or other catastrophic events. For instance, shortly before the devastating 2011 earthquake in Japan, twenty oarfish reportedly washed ashore. Interestingly, the California oarfish was discovered just two days before a 4.4 magnitude earthquake shook the region and rattled Los Angeles.
The rarity of oarfish sightings in California, their peculiar behavior, and the connection between their appearances and seismic activity have fascinated both scientists and the public. As researchers investigate the circumstances surrounding the oarfish's presence and its cause of death, they hope to gather valuable insights into the behavior and habitat of this elusive creature.
The doomsday fish has captured the imagination of people, leading to discussions and speculations about its significance in the natural world. While some view them as ominous symbols, others recognize the importance of studying these deep-sea dwellers for a better understanding of marine ecosystems.
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