Fish have long been symbols of change. When certain species migrate, spawn, or feed, this may show seasons or predictable moments in time. Knowing what time it is helped identify what, where, and when something is about to happen.

The Oarfish is one of these times marking fish. This strange deep-sea creature is also known as the “King of the Herrings”. Historically, seeing the Oarfish meant an apocalyptic disaster was about to happen. 

Oarfish are rarely seen. They live in the deepest parts of the Oceans. These elongated ribbon-like fish can grow to 36 feet long, making them the longest boney fish in the world. Their heads are covered in red spines. Oarfish spend their lives feeding on crustaceans, krill, or plankton at depths between 200 and 1,000 meters deep. 

Seeing this unique fish in shallow water along shorelines is rare. There seems to be a connection between Oarfish and earthquakes. There is little research confirming that the sight of Oarfish signals an upcoming earthquake.

Earthquakes and animal connections are common. Chickens, waterfowl, and other species display abnormal behaviors prior to an earthquake. Native peoples saw this and would move to safer places when the signals were displayed. 

In California, the San Andreas Fault is the crack in the world where the next major earthquake could show up. Recently, a large Oarfish has showed up in La Jolla Cove near San Diego. The fish was dead and researchers are currently performing an autopsy to see why it died. Oarfish specimens are rare, and the research will teach us more about this crazy fish. 

Californians are always preparing for upcoming earthquakes. Perhaps this Doomsday Fish will encourage Californians to move to other, safer states, like Montana. 

Yellowstone Parks super volcano is another location that could be apocalyptic. There are no Oarfish in Yellowstone Lake to warn us.

 Maybe we need to watch the crowds of crazy fly fishermen, and Touran’s behavior instead.

Montana Grant