Doomsday Fish Washes Up on Canary Islands Beach, Fueling Worries of a Catastrophe

On February 10, 2025, a rare oarfish, often associated with disastrous events, was discovered washed up on the shore of Playa Quemada, located on the Canary Islands. This strange, deep-sea creature, with its long silvery body and translucent orange fins, is typically found far below the ocean’s surface. Its appearance on the beach has raised alarming concerns, as the oarfish has long been linked to natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, and hurricanes. Many locals and social media users are now speculating that its appearance signals an impending catastrophe, sparking widespread fear.

Oarfish sightings are extremely rare, and when they do surface, they often stir up a mixture of fascination and unease. The creature’s reputation, rooted in Japanese mythology, connects it to Ryōgū no tsukai, or the “messenger of the Sea God,” believed to foreshadow calamities. This most recent sighting in the Canary Islands quickly went viral, drawing millions of views on social media, further intensifying the growing concerns.

The Oarfish and Its Long-Standing Ominous Reputation

Historically, oarfish are seen as an omen in cultures around the world. Their deep-sea habitat makes them a rare sight, and their appearance near the surface has often been tied to seismic activity or massive oceanic events. The recent discovery of the oarfish in the Canary Islands, as reported by Daily Mail, has reignited these ancient beliefs. The video of the fish, which shows a man trying to rescue the creature, quickly garnered millions of views online, with many commenting that the oarfish’s arrival signals something disastrous on the horizon.

The oarfish can grow up to 36 feet in length and weigh more than 440 pounds, making it an awe-inspiring presence when it appears on land. Its appearance in shallow waters, particularly in regions prone to seismic activity, leads many to wonder if the creature’s presence is truly predictive, or simply the result of coincidental circumstances.

A Pattern Emerges: Similar Sightings and Global Concerns

This recent sighting follows a similar event in Mexico just weeks earlier, where surfers spotted another oarfish on the Baja California Peninsula. The massive fish, injured and measuring nearly the length of a surfboard, also ignited fears of a tsunami among local residents. Much like the sighting in the Canary Islands, the Mexican discovery prompted discussions about the mythological connection between oarfish and upcoming natural disasters. While these sightings continue to stir public anxiety, experts remain cautious, emphasizing that there is no scientific evidence directly linking the appearance of oarfish to specific events such as earthquakes or tsunamis.

Between Myth and Science: What Do Oarfish Really Signify?

While oarfish sightings are often surrounded by folklore, the scientific community has yet to find any conclusive evidence that the fish is a true predictor of disaster. Marine experts suggest that environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations, underwater currents, or changes in the ocean’s ecosystem could explain why these creatures occasionally venture closer to shore. Still, the timing of these events and the longstanding cultural ties between oarfish and disaster keep the myth alive.

As social media reactions continue to flood in from both the Canary Islands and Mexico, the connection between the oarfish and impending disaster remains a hot topic of discussion. Whether it’s a coincidence, a cultural belief, or a more mysterious signal from the deep, the strange and rare oarfish continues to captivate people’s imaginations across the globe.