A rare and mysterious deep-sea creature, known as the oarfish, was recently caught in fishermen’s nets along the coast of Kerala, triggering a wave of curiosity, fear, and speculation both locally and online. The unusual appearance of the fish — which typically resides thousands of meters below the ocean surface — has now gone viral on social media and has become the center of both scientific interest and folklore-fueled alarm.
The oarfish, often referred to as the “messenger from the sea” in Japanese folklore, is believed to be a harbinger of natural disasters. According to legend, its surfacing is a sign that earthquakes or tsunamis could be imminent. The timing of this sighting has amplified public concern, as 2025 has already witnessed multiple tragedies, including the Ahmedabad plane crash and the Indrayani bridge disaster. “Will this year be full of bad luck?” questioned one social media user, as the video of the fish circulated rapidly online, amassing thousands of views and shares.
The oarfish’s eerie, elongated body and deep-sea origin have long made it a symbol of mystery. While the public leans into superstitious interpretations, marine scientists offer a more grounded explanation. Some researchers suggest that the oarfish may rise to the surface due to seismic activity, changes in ocean currents, or pre-earthquake vibrations, as deep-sea creatures are often sensitive to tectonic shifts.
Despite scientific reasoning, public sentiment remains uneasy, with many seeing the incident as a supernatural warning of greater calamities ahead. As investigations continue into what brought the fish to the surface, the incident has once again spotlighted the delicate balance between ancient beliefs and modern science, reminding us how natural phenomena can evoke both wonder and worry in the human psyche.