Divers Discover ‘Fish of the Resurrection’ off Taiwan’s Coast, Believed to be a Harbinger of Earthquakes

Divers off the coast of Ruifang, Taiwan, were treated to a mesmerizing sight when they encountered a giant oarfish, also known as the “fish of the resurrection.” This remarkable creature is believed by some locals to be a harbinger of earthquakes. The enchanting footage captured the silvery serpent-like fish hovering near the surface, captivating the divers.

Measuring approximately 6-and-a-half feet long, the oarfish they encountered was sizeable, but not nearly as large as it can get. Oarfish can reach lengths of up to 56 feet, making them the longest bony fish known.

However, despite the excitement of seeing this rare creature up close, the divers noticed that the fish appeared to be struggling. The oarfish had mysterious holes across its body, which experts suspect were caused by the bites of cookiecutter sharks. These small predators are known for taking chunks out of larger fish and even marine mammals, though their alleged attacks on nuclear submarines are likely unfounded.

Interestingly, the oarfish’s appearance near the surface has fueled local beliefs that these deep-sea dwellers are linked to impending earthquakes. According to Japanese mythology, oarfish rise to the surface and beach themselves before earthquakes occur. This superstition gained attention during the 2011 Fukushima earthquake and tsunami, as numerous oarfish washed ashore in the years leading up to the disaster.

However, scientific experts dismiss the earthquake prediction theory, stating that there is no evidence to support such a connection. Hiroyuki Motomura, a professor of ichthyology at Kagoshima University, believes that oarfish often surface when their physical condition is poor, being carried by water currents, which is why they are usually found dead.

While the oarfish’s presence may be intriguing and mysterious, it is essential to rely on scientific evidence rather than superstition to understand their behavior and ecological significance. As for the giant oarfish spotted off Taiwan’s coast, its encounter with divers remains a rare and fascinating event.