Oarfish discovery in Lombok Timur sparks local concern

A rare oarfish, measuring approximately two to four meters in length, was found washed up on Pantai Pink in the Lombok Timur Regency of West Nusa Tenggara. The discovery of the deep-sea creature, which typically inhabits depths of 200 to 1,000 meters, has caused significant local interest and social media discussion.

Muslim, the Head of the West Nusa Tenggara Marine and Fisheries Service, identified the specimen as an oarfish. Its appearance in shallow waters has triggered local concerns and folklore-based fears that the fish may be a precursor to natural disasters such as earthquakes or tsunamis. This connection stems from Japanese folklore, where the fish is known as ‘Ryugu no Tsukai’ or ‘Messenger from the Sea God’s Palace.’

Scientific perspectives suggest that while these sightings are unusual, there is no strong scientific evidence linking oarfish movements to seismic activity. Experts note that such sightings may instead be caused by the fish being injured, sick, or displaced by ocean currents.