Giant oarfish washing ashore in Philippines sparks earthquake omen fears

The appearance of a giant oarfish in the Philippines has stirred concerns among locals who traditionally view the deep-sea creature as a potential earthquake precursor.

The 3.5-meter-long silvery fish, sometimes called the "doomsday fish," was found washed ashore in Roxas City, Oriental Mindoro on July 16, where it died shortly after. Hundreds of residents gathered to witness the rare sight.

The oarfish, one of the world's longest bony fish that can reach up to eight meters, normally inhabits depths between 200 and 1,000 meters. They typically only approach shallow waters when injured, ill or disturbed by underwater activities.

While some locals expressed unease given recent strong earthquakes in the Philippines, marine experts emphasize there's no scientific evidence linking oarfish appearances to seismic events.

Philippine marine researchers suggest the fish more likely strayed into coastal waters due to factors like rising sea temperatures, abnormal currents or pressure changes.

Local agricultural authorities collected samples to determine the cause of death and urged the public to avoid touching or moving unusual marine creatures, instead notifying relevant departments for proper handling and research.