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Chilean coast discovery of rare oarfish sparks folklore concerns
A rare deep-sea fish, known as the oarfish or king of herrings (Regalecus glesne), was found dead on the Chacaya beach near Mejillones in northern Chile. The specimen measured approximately 4.8 meters in length.
The discovery, reported by the Center for Marine Fauna Research and Whale and Dolphin Monitoring (CIFAMAC), has triggered significant discussion on social media due to Japanese folklore that labels the creature the ‘doomsday fish.’ According to these legends, the appearance of the oarfish near the coast serves as a messenger from the sea god, signaling impending earthquakes or tsunamis.
However, scientists and marine biologists, including experts from the University of Antofagasta, emphasize that there is no reliable scientific evidence linking the presence of these fish to seismic activity. A 2019 study published in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America analyzed hundreds of deep-sea fish sightings and found no statistically significant correlation with earthquakes. Experts suggest the fish may have been driven to the surface by changes in ocean currents or water temperatures, such as the El Niño phenomenon.
Entities
CIFAMAC · Chacaya Beach · Chile · Chilean Fisheries Service · Mejillones · University of Antofagasta
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Japanese folklore associates the fish with predicting earthquakes and tsunamis. zoom.mk · makfax.com.mk · www.politika.rs
- [● 3 SOURCES] The fish was discovered at Chacaya beach. zoom.mk · makfax.com.mk · www.politika.rs
- [● 3 SOURCES] The oarfish is not dangerous to humans and has no venomous glands. zoom.mk · makfax.com.mk · www.politika.rs
- [● 3 SOURCES] The oarfish is considered the longest bony fish in the world. zoom.mk · makfax.com.mk · www.politika.rs
- [● 3 SOURCES] A 4.8-meter long oarfish was found on the coast near Mejillones, Chile. zoom.mk · makfax.com.mk · www.politika.rs
- [● 3 SOURCES] The oarfish is scientifically known as Regalecus glesne. zoom.mk · makfax.com.mk · www.politika.rs