Recently, two unusual deep-sea fish were discovered on the shores of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and were rescued by beachgoers.
Known as the oarfish or “doomsday fish,” these creatures required assistance when they washed up. Reports surfaced on Wednesday about the incident.
Two sisters at the beach spotted the fish and were initially taken aback, watching as it struggled.
“I saw something blinking in the distance. It was really bright,” said Monica Pittenger, who captured the moment on video. “When I got closer, I thought it was unreal because I had never seen anything like it before. My sister isn’t great with pain, so she reacted quickly,” she added.
According to video footage, beachgoers banded together to help the fish back into the ocean. One girl noticed Pittenger’s sister lifting the creature carefully and guiding it to the surface.
However, their rescue efforts were soon challenged by another oarfish that washed ashore. Eventually, the beachgoers managed to return both fish to the water, and Pittenger noted that they both swam away successfully.
Pittenger also conducted some research and found that sightings of these fish are quite rare. “It was an incredible experience, though a bit surreal,” she remarked.
The Ocean Conservancy states that oarfish are deep-sea creatures that can reach lengths of up to 30 feet, feeding on krill, plankton, and small crustaceans.
The name “Oarfish” might come from their elongated, flat bodies which resemble oars. Another theory is that their unique swimming motion resembles rowing. In addition to their official name, they carry a more ominous nickname: “the fish of the end.” In various cultures, these fish are often viewed as harbingers of calamity. For instance, it’s said that an oarfish sighting may signal an impending earthquake or disaster. Reports indicate that 20 oarfish washed ashore in the lead-up to Japan’s catastrophic earthquake in 2011.
Oarfish are also referenced in sea monster legends, according to the Florida Museum.
