Rare Oarfish Sparks Tsunami Fears After Washing Ashore in Tasmania

Jun 06, 2025 Khushi Kumari

A rare deep-sea oarfish was found on Ocean Beach, Tasmania, sparking viral buzz and online fears

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Local resident Sybil Robertson found the shiny, silver fish while walking her dog on the beach

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Oarfish are deep-sea creatures that live around 1,650 feet underwater. They are rarely seen alive

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This oarfish was nearly 9 feet long, but the species can grow up to 56 feet — the longest bony fish on Earth

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According to Japanese folklore, oarfish sightings predict earthquakes and tsunamis

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Multiple oarfish sightings occurred just before the 2011 Fukushima earthquake in Japan, deepening superstitions

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Marine expert Neville Barrett said the fish likely washed ashore due to illness or injury, not a warning sign

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Scientists stress oarfish strandings are rare but natural events, and not linked to upcoming disasters

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