Here’s a story that will make you think twice about your next beach vacation: another massive oarfish has washed up on a California shore—the second one in just three months. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “What on Earth is an oarfish?” Fair question. It’s not exactly the kind of sea creature you see on postcards or in aquariums. Oarfish are these long, silvery, ribbon-like fish that can grow to over 50 feet in length and look like something out of a low-budget horror film. Historically, they’ve been considered omens of doom, particularly in Japan, where their appearance is thought to predict earthquakes, tsunamis, or other natural disasters. And now, two of them have shown up uninvited in California. Comforting, isn’t it?
So, what’s going on here? Is this nature’s version of a fire alarm, or are we just witnessing an unusual marine hiccup? Scientists, as they always do, are quick to downplay the drama. They’re saying it’s probably nothing to worry about—just a coincidence, they assure us. Of course, these are the same people who told us not to worry about inflation and that banning gas stoves was just a conspiracy theory. Forgive me if I don’t find their reassurances all that reassuring.
Let’s not forget, this isn’t the first time oarfish have gotten people’s attention. Back in 2011, just before a devastating earthquake hit Japan, several of these so-called “doomsday fish” were spotted near the shore. Naturally, this has led to a whole lot of speculation about whether these creatures know something we don’t. Are they sensitive to seismic activity? Do they sense disturbances in the Earth’s crust? Or are they just really bad at navigating? The scientific community, predictably, dismisses these theories as superstition. But then again, they also thought it was a good idea to bring back the woolly mammoth, so maybe their judgment isn’t infallible.
Now, let’s talk about the timing. Two oarfish washing up within a few months might not seem like a big deal—until you realize how rare these creatures are. Oarfish typically live thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface, in the kind of pressure that would turn a submarine into a soda can. For them to venture close to shore and then die is, at the very least, unusual. And when something unusual happens twice in quick succession, it’s worth paying attention.
But here’s the real question: why California? If these fish are harbingers of doom, what exactly are they trying to warn us about? California already has enough problems without adding “potential earthquake” to the list. Between rolling blackouts, rampant homelessness, and a political climate that can generously be described as “chaotic,” the Golden State isn’t exactly running low on crises. Maybe the oarfish are just here to remind Californians that things can always get worse.
Of course, there’s also the possibility that this is all a distraction. Call me skeptical, but whenever the media latches onto a story like this, I can’t help but wonder what they’re trying to divert our attention from. Is this about climate change? Ocean pollution? Or maybe it’s just another excuse to push a doomsday narrative that keeps people scared and compliant. After all, nothing unites people like a shared sense of impending catastrophe.
But let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture. Whether these oarfish are signaling the end of days or just having a really bad year, their sudden appearance is a reminder that we still don’t fully understand our world. For all our technology and scientific advancements, the deep ocean remains one of the last true frontiers. It’s a place where creatures like oarfish live unseen, emerging only when something—natural or otherwise—forces them to the surface.
So, what should we do about it? Well, I’d start by keeping an eye on California. If a third oarfish shows up, maybe it’s time to consider that they’re trying to tell us something. Until then, stay skeptical, stay informed, and maybe avoid buying beachfront property for a while. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry—and in this case, better to be on high ground than underwater.
