By Sheetal Kumari | June 09, 2025
A red-crested, mysterious fish washed up on shore, evoking awe and superstition in Tamil Nadu and Tasmania.
(Image: @chennaiweather/X)
Nicknamed the oarfish or “doomsday fish,” its snake-like, silvery body can reach lengths of up to 30 feet.
(Image: @chennaiweather/X)
The oarfish is only seen near the surface on rare occasions, so its unexpected arrival is both strange and spooky.
(Image: @AMAZlNGNATURE/X)
Tasmanians were amazed at the bizarre creature discovered on the west coast beach at the beginning of this week.
(Image: @AMAZlNGNATURE/X)
Shortly afterward, fishermen in Tamil Nadu caught another, attracting massive crowds and quiet whispers of omens.
(Image: @chennaiweather/X)
In folklore, oarfish are believed to appear before earthquakes and tsunamis, spreading fear of catastrophes.
(Image: Wikipedia)
The most well-known one was prior to Japan’s 2011 tsunami, when oarfish swam up mysteriously.
(Image: @Kalidasak2k02/X)
Nevertheless, experts claim there’s no evidence to connect oarfish sightings with tremors or earthquakes.
(Image: @Filhab3/X)
According to experts, they come up because of sickness, injuries, or deep-sea water condition changes.
(Image: @AustinKellerman/X)
Even without any scientific connection, every sighting arouses amazement, concern, and questions regarding what may lie beneath.
(Image: X)