Thu Feb 20 16:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Doomsday Fish Washes Ashore in Canary Islands, Sparking Earthquake Fears
**Lanzarote, Canary Islands** – The discovery of a rare oarfish on a Lanzarote beach has ignited superstitions and fears of impending natural disasters. Beachgoers found the massive, silvery fish with distinctive orange fins on February 10th, a video of which has garnered over nine million views on Instagram.
Oarfish, which inhabit the deep ocean, are often called “doomsday fish” due to a long-held belief in Japan that their appearance precedes earthquakes. This superstition stems from instances, such as in 2011, where numerous oarfish were found washed ashore before a major earthquake.
While scientists haven’t definitively linked oarfish strandings to seismic activity, some theories suggest that pressure build-up before an earthquake could release toxic compounds or charged ions into the water, potentially harming or displacing the deep-sea creatures. One possibility is the release of large quantities of carbon monoxide gas, impacting oarfish and other deep-sea life.
The oarfish, found on Playa Quemada beach, is difficult to study due to its deep-sea habitat. However, the event has fueled online speculation, with many commenters on social media linking the fish’s appearance to an impending earthquake.
Dr. Rachel Grant, a lecturer in animal biology, previously suggested a possible link between seismic activity and oarfish strandings, highlighting the potential for pressure build-up to release toxic compounds into the ocean.
The oarfish, which can grow over six meters long, continues to generate both scientific curiosity and superstitious concern. Authorities are monitoring the situation, while experts urge caution against jumping to conclusions and emphasize the need for further research to understand the reasons behind these unusual strandings.
First Piper 