Three oarfish, dubbed “doomsday fish,” have recently washed ashore on the coasts of Australia and New Zealand. This unexpected occurrence took place completely within the span of one week. These sightings, while few and far between, have captivated the imaginations of marine biologists and the public alike. Experts are adamant that none of them portend an approaching catastrophe.
Fast facts
Oarfish are the world’s longest bony fish. Undoubtedly, it’s their crazy colors—our purply-blue, silver, and crimsony fish—that make them super special.
The initial of the three oarfish washed ashore close to the tiny coastal village of Aramoana, just north of Dunedin. Shortly thereafter, two en route-headless specimens washed ashore on the shores of New Zealand’s South Island. One found just south of Christchurch, and the other about 45 minutes away in Birdlings Flat. At the same time, an oarfish was found on Tasmania’s west coast on Monday.
According to scientists, oarfish are “beautiful” and “otherworldly”, often found suspended in the water vertically. They move by undulating their anal and dorsal fins. In spite of their impressive looks, oarfish are not that common to be seen. With only around an estimated 20 accepted records of oarfish sightings in New Zealand, these events are extremely significant.
Add to that their stature as the fish historically associated with sea serpent legends, and you’ve got one mysterious reputation. Even with this connection, a 2019 peer-reviewed research study found no relationship between oarfish sightings and the occurrence of earthquakes. Andrew Stewart, a marine biologist, elaborated on their unique structure, saying, “when you’ve got an oarfish, you’ve got 8 metres in which every metre looks like every other metre – just rinse and repeat.”
Like all fishes, the heads of oarfish are home to many important structures, such as earbones, teeth, and gill rakers. This unique anatomy is just one part of the reasons why they have been classified as a keystone species in marine research. Calls to explain the environmental conditions that might be causing these strandings have been renewed by the most recent events.
Their dramatic discovery continues to excite the public’s imagination and drive home the importance of understanding marine biodiversity. Experts implore you, don’t think of them as omens of doom. Instead, these strange and beautiful creatures give us a glimpse of the wonders hidden in our oceans.