A surprising scene has captured the attention of social media and curious people around the world. On a beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, some tourists found themselves faced with two marine creatures as fascinating as they were enigmatic: enormous oarfish, also known as “fish of the apocalypse”. The sighting is considered particularly rare because these animals normally live in the depths of the oceans, up to around 1,000 meters below the surface. It is therefore extremely unusual to see them so close to shore.
According to the story shared on social media by some witnesses, it all started with an unusual reflection in the water. As they got closer, the two women discovered that it was a long silver fish that was moving with difficulty in the shallow waters.
Together with other people on the beach, they managed to push the animal towards the open sea, helping it return to deeper waters. The surprise, however, was not over. Not far from the first specimen, a second appeared. Just seeing just one fish of this type is an exceptional event. Finding two in the same place is something truly extraordinary.
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The longest fish in the world and the mystery of the depths
The oarfish is an impressive creature. Its long and thin body, almost similar to a silver ribbon, is crossed by a bright red dorsal fin that makes it immediately recognisable. This species holds a curious record: it is considered the longest living bony fish. The most common specimens measure between 5 and 7 meters, but some individuals can reach up to 17 meters in length and weigh over 200 kilograms.
Despite its almost monstrous appearance, the fish-stealer is completely harmless to humans. It has no real teeth and feeds mainly on tiny plankton. Its serpentine shape and the fact that it rarely emerges from the depths have contributed, over the centuries, to inspiring the ancient stories of sea serpents told by sailors.
Why it’s called the “apocalypse fish”
The most disturbing nickname of this creature comes from some popular beliefs widespread especially in Japan and East Asia. In various traditions, the steal fish is considered an omen of natural disasters, such as earthquakes or tsunamis. This idea comes from some coincidences observed in the past. Before the devastating tsunami in Japan in 2011, for example, several specimens of ruby fish had been found stranded along the coasts. Since then the legend has gained even more strength.
However, scientists point out that there is no solid scientific evidence directly linking these animals to earthquakes. Some researchers hypothesize that they may be influenced by changes in marine currents or deep geological movements, but the link remains uncertain.
Between myth and science, the fish of the apocalypse therefore continues to exercise a particular fascination. A silent giant of the deep who, when he appears near the surface, always manages to transform a simple day on the beach into a small marine mystery.
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