Editor-DN
A rare deep-sea creature, known as the ‘doomsday fish’, recently washed ashore on Grandview Beach in Encinitas, California.
Allison LaFerrie, a doctoral student at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, saw him walking his dog. Initially mistaking the long, slender shape of the wreck, Laferrie soon recognized the creature as another fish – a rare species.
In a social media post, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography wrote, “Just when you thought the oarfish hype was over, look what decided to make another appearance.”
Scripps added, “Last week, another fish washed up on Grandview Beach in Encinitas and was spotted by Scripps Oceanography Ph. is short, about 9 to 10 feet in length.
“Ben Fribble, manager of the Scripps Oceanography Marine Vertebrate Collection, jumped into action and contacted the NOAA Fisheries Service team to retrieve the specimen and transport it to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center.”
“Like the previous fish, this specimen and the samples taken from it will tell us a lot about the biology, anatomy, genomics and life history of fish.” – Scripps Marine Vertebrate Collection Manager Ben @Frable pic.twitter.com/GbOPGN064C
— Scripps Institution of Oceanography (@Scripps_Ocean) November 13, 2024
“We took the samples and froze the sample awaiting further study and eventual preservation in the Marine Vertebrate Collection,” Frebel said.
In another fish washup on California beaches this year, Frebel said the phenomenon may be related to changing ocean conditions and the increased presence of the species in the region.
“Many researchers have proposed why deep-water fish become stranded on beaches. Sometimes it can be linked to broader changes like the El Niño and La Niña cycles, but not always. Earlier this year “I had a weak El Nino. This washup coincided with the recent red tide and the Santa Ana winds last week, but many variables could have contributed to these traps,” Frable added.
The oarfish, distinguished by its elongated L-like body, bright red dorsal fin, and beaked mouth, is a deep-sea creature that has captured both the scientific and popular imagination. According to Atlas ObscuraIn Japanese folklore, the appearance of a fish is believed to portend impending disaster, particularly earthquakes.
The superstition gained notoriety after numerous fish were found along the coast of Japan before the 2011 earthquake, leading to widespread belief in its connection to natural disasters.
