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Is this rare Oarfish found on Panay Island a Sign of an Earthquake?

The Philippines is a a haven for many different marine species, most actually rare and beautiful. New marine species were even discovered at the Verde Island Passage.

Read: LOOK: New marine species discovered in the Philippines

Just recently, another rare species of fish was found on the coast of Panay Island. First posted on the Facebook Page ID Please (Marine Creature Identification), the photo of the fish was posted by Theresa Lewis. Lewis asked people to identify the fish which was eight feet long. It was later identified as an oarfish, which the Japanese believe is a sign of an impending earthquake.

Photo screen-grabbed from ID Please (Marine Identification) Facebook Group.
Photo screen-grabbed from ID Please (Marine Identification) Facebook Group.

What is an oarfish?

The oarfish is a large elongated fish which is usually found in temperate and tropical countries. The oarfish that was found in Panay Island measured eight feet, however, oarfish can actually grow up to 36 feet in length. Also called “sea serpent”, the oarfish is rarely seen or caught alive, and they are not ideal for eating due to their gelatinous consistency. (Source)

One of the largest oarfish found was in  1996 in San Diego, California measuring 23 feet. Photo Credit: Wikipedia
One of the largest oarfish found was in 1996 in San Diego, California measuring 23 feet.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia

According to the fishermen who found the oarfish in Panay Island, it may have been attacked by a shark when they found it.

The oarfish found in Panay Island measures 8 feet long. Photo Credit: ID Please (Marine Identification) Facebook Page.
The oarfish found in Panay Island measures 8 feet long.
Photo Credit: ID Please (Marine Identification) Facebook Page.

A sign of an impending earthquake?

The Japanese believe that oarfish are a sign of impending earthquakes. According to their belief, oarfish rise to the surface since they can sense seismic fault movements. Oarfish are bottom-dwellers and act in uncharacteristic ways when there is a coming earthquake.

In 2011, an 3.5-meter oarfish was found on a coast of Taiwan after a Tsunami hit Japan. 20 oarfish were also found on several beaches in Japan.

However, there are no recent scientific studies that back up this belief. Scientists say oarfish would usually just leave their dwelling when they are disoriented or extremely starved. So people need not panic about the appearance of this fish, rare or not.

Featured Photo Credit: Theresa Lewis / ID Please

Written by G.A. Viray

G.A. had a lot of professional working experiences in different fields and industries before finally deciding to write articles in 2014. She is a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian who also has a passion for teaching, training and facilitating. More than all her skills and passions, she is very much grateful that she is blessed with an adorable daughter and a loving husband.

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