KKN Gurugram Desk |  A rare and mysterious marine creature recently caught off the coast of Tamil Nadu has sparked a wave of speculation, fear, and myth-fueled debates across social media and news platforms. The creature in question is the Oarfish, often referred to as the “Doomsday Fish”, and its appearance has reignited age-old legends linking it to natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis.

This particular incident occurred earlier this month when local fishermen off the Tamil Nadu coast found the strange, snake-like fish tangled in their fishing nets. With its shimmering silver body, ribbon-like shape, and distinctive red crest, the fish quickly drew the attention of locals and netizens alike. The Oarfish sighting in India has since gone viral and is being widely discussed for its eerie associations.

What is an Oarfish?

Scientifically known as Regalecus glesne, the Oarfish is a deep-sea creature that can grow up to 30 feet in length, making it one of the longest bony fish in the ocean. These marine animals typically reside in the mesopelagic to bathypelagic zones, ranging from 200 to over 1,000 meters deep. Due to their elusive nature and preference for deep waters, Oarfish sightings are extremely rare.

They are also called Ribbonfish due to their elongated, flexible bodies. Their most striking feature is a bright red, frilly dorsal fin that runs the length of their body, and a crimson crest atop their head that resembles a crown or mane—features that often give them an almost mythical appearance.

The Oarfish and the “Doomsday” Legend

The Oarfish has been shrouded in folklore and mystery for centuries. Across many cultures, especially in Japan and Southeast Asia, it is considered a harbinger of natural disasters. In Japanese mythology, the Oarfish is believed to be a messenger from the Sea God Ryujin, sent to warn of impending earthquakes or tsunamis.

The fish is said to rise to the ocean surface just before seismic activity due to being sensitive to underwater tectonic movements. Although no scientific proof firmly establishes this claim, its appearance before natural calamities in Japan (2011 tsunami) and Mexico has added fuel to these beliefs.

Tamil Nadu Sighting Adds to Global Concern

The latest Oarfish sighting in Tamil Nadu is not the first of its kind in recent times. Just days before this, a similar Oarfish had washed ashore along the western coast of Tasmania, Australia. Both instances have alarmed observers, especially after the June 12 aircraft crash in Ahmedabad, which some social media users began linking to these mysterious sightings.

Though there is no logical or scientific correlation, the timing has led to heightened speculation, with hashtags like #DoomsdayFish and #OarfishWarning trending across platforms.

Locals who gathered to witness the fish being brought ashore described it as “otherworldly.” Many recalled hearing stories from elders about rare fish appearing before natural disasters. Some even referred to the Oarfish as a “curse fish” or a “shapeshifter of the seas.”

What Do Scientists Say?

Marine biologists have consistently rejected the myths surrounding the Oarfish. According to experts, these creatures surface only when they are:

• Sick or injured

• Disoriented by ocean currents

• Reaching the end of their life cycle

Dr. N. Raghavendra, a marine ecologist at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), explained:

“The Oarfish is not an omen of disaster. It is likely that the fish gets caught in fishing nets or washes ashore when its navigation system fails or it’s suffering from internal stress or disease.”

A 2019 marine study conducted in the Pacific also found no scientific evidence linking Oarfish appearances to earthquakes. However, because of their deep-sea habitat, any appearance near shore is rare and naturally grabs public attention.

Why Do People Believe It’s Cursed?

The belief that Oarfish bring disaster is deeply rooted in cultural traditions and past coincidences. Here are a few notable cases that shaped the legend:

• 2011 Japan Earthquake & Tsunami: Several Oarfish were reported to have surfaced in Japanese waters weeks before the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that killed over 15,000 people.

• Mexico Earthquake (2017): Multiple Oarfish sightings were recorded just months before a powerful quake hit the country.

• Philippines (2020): Viral videos of Oarfish appearing ahead of a strong tremor caused nationwide panic.

Although these events are correlation, not causation, the timing often fuels conspiracy theories and reinforces cultural beliefs.

A Social Media Storm

Since the Oarfish video from Tamil Nadu went viral, users have flooded platforms with both panic and fascination. Comments ranged from fear of an impending global catastrophe to awe at the fish’s surreal appearance.

Some posts claimed:

• “Mother Nature is sending us a signal.”

• “Remember what happened after the last time Oarfish showed up in Japan?”

• “The Earth is warning us—again.”

Others took a more humorous route, sharing memes and naming the fish “Poseidon’s Snake” or “Undersea Alien.”

Oarfish in Indian Waters: How Rare Is It?

While Oarfish sightings in India are extremely rare, they are not unheard of. Marine experts say sightings have occurred in:

• Andaman & Nicobar Islands

• Kerala’s coast

• Now, Tamil Nadu

Each of these sightings triggered public interest, especially among coastal communities with deep-rooted traditional beliefs. Yet, no major natural disaster has been directly linked to these appearances in Indian waters so far.

The reappearance of the Oarfish—especially across different continents in a short time span—is undoubtedly fascinating and a reminder of how much we still don’t know about the deep ocean. While it may not be a predictor of doom, its surfacing should encourage more marine research, conservation efforts, and scientific inquiry into the behavior of such elusive species.