Doomsday Fish: Rare Oarfish Washes Up Again on California Beach
A rare “doomsday fish,” an oarfish, has washed up on Grandview Beach in Encinitas, Southern California. This incident is unusual, as it is only the second time this year that an oarfish has been found on California shores. The oarfish measured about 9 to 10 feet long and was discovered by a doctoral candidate from the Scripps Institute of Oceanography.
The oarfish is known for its long, ribbon-like body that can reach lengths of up to 30 feet. After the fish was found, Ben Frable, who manages the Scripps Oceanography Marine Vertebrate Collection, contacted NOAA Fisheries Service to transport the fish to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center for further examination.
This specimen is smaller than one that washed up in La Jolla in August 2024. Researchers are uncertain why oarfish have recently appeared on California beaches. Occurrences like this are rare; only 20 oarfish have been recorded on California shores since 1901. Generally, these deep-sea fish come ashore when they are sick, dying, or disoriented.
Frable noted that environmental changes might contribute to the increase in oarfish sightings. Factors like the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, including both El Niño and La Niña events, could play a role, but this is not yet clear. Recent red tide events and Santa Ana winds may also affect fish behavior.
How do environmental factors influence the behavior of oarfish?
Interview with Dr. Ben Frable: Insights on the Recent Oarfish Stranding at Grandview Beach
News Directory 3: We’re here with Dr. Ben Frable, manager of the Scripps Oceanography Marine Vertebrate Collection, to discuss the rare stranding of an oarfish along Grandview Beach in Encinitas. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Frable.
Dr. Frable: Thank you for having me. It’s a fascinating situation we’re dealing with.
News Directory 3: This is only the second oarfish found on California shores this year. What can you tell us about the significance of this finding?
Dr. Frable: Oarfish are quite rare. Historically, we’ve only documented about 20 strandings in California since 1901. So, to find one—especially so close together in occurrence—is unusual. The specimen we found measures about 9 to 10 feet, which is smaller than a previous one found in La Jolla last August.
News Directory 3: Oarfish are often referred to as ”doomsday fish.” Why is that, and does this finding relate to any of the folklore surrounding them?
Dr. Frable: The term “doomsday fish” stems from a myth suggesting that oarfish appear before earthquakes. However, research, including a comprehensive 2019 study, found no correlation between oarfish strandings and seismic activity. They generally come ashore when sick, disoriented, or dying.
News Directory 3: What might explain the recent increase in sightings of oarfish?
Dr. Frable: We’re still investigating that. Environmental changes are likely playing a role. Factors like the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and recent red tide events could be influencing fish behavior. The Santa Ana winds might also impact ocean conditions, leading some fish to venture closer to shore.
News Directory 3: Can you describe the morphology and habitat of the oarfish?
Dr. Frable: Certainly. Oarfish are uniquely adapted deep-sea fish characterized by their long, ribbon-like bodies, capable of growing up to 30 feet in length. They inhabit the mesopelagic zone, around 3,280 feet deep, where their reflective bodies help them blend into the dark waters. This adaptation makes studying them challenging.
News Directory 3: What actions are you taking with this particular specimen found on the beach?
Dr. Frable: After the initial report from the doctoral candidate, we contacted NOAA Fisheries Service to have the oarfish transported to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center. There, we’ll conduct a thorough examination, focusing on its biology, anatomy, and genetic material to further understand these enigmatic creatures.
News Directory 3: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Frable.
Dr. Frable: My pleasure. It’s an exciting time for oceanography, and every finding helps us piece together the puzzle of deep-sea life.
The Scripps team is studying the oarfish’s biology, anatomy, and genetic material. They also addressed a common myth regarding oarfish and earthquakes. Despite folklore suggesting that oarfish appear before earthquakes, a 2019 study debunked this idea, finding no actual correlation between oarfish strandings and seismic events.
Oarfish typically inhabit the mesopelagic zone of the ocean, at depths of around 3,280 feet, where their reflective bodies help them blend into the dark water. Understanding these fish remains a challenge due to their deep-sea habitat and limited research on the species.