Mystic oarfish caught on video sparks local earthquake lore
Divers noticed an unusual fish off the coast of Taiwan. This creature is native to the region but usually hides deep underwater. This time, a roughly seven-foot flatfish ventured into shallower waters, allowing divers to capture this extraordinary encounter on video.
8:34 PM EST, November 13, 2024
In July 2023, diving instructor Wang Cheng-ru came across a bizarre creature off the coast of Taiwan, near the Ruifang district of New Taipei City. This strange creature is actually a fish belonging to the oarfish family (Regalecus glesne).
An unusual encounter off the coast of Taiwan
Residents of Taiwan believe that this rare deep-sea fish species appears only in specific situations—such as before or right after an earthquake occurs. Thus, they consider it an omen of impending disaster or doom. However, no scientific studies confirm this correlation.
According to the diver, the fish, which was captured on video, did not appear in shallower waters due to impending misfortune. Its body had numerous injuries in the form of circular wounds, likely caused by a shark attack. Cheng-ru assessed that the fish was in poor condition, which is why it appeared in a zone that is not its typical habitat.
Wang Cheng-ru and his companions were surprised to encounter this creature while diving. They managed to record the event, where the fish appears to be suspended in the water, as if it had no intention of escaping. Typically, these animals inhabit waters at depths ranging from about 650 to 3,600 feet.
Attention should be paid to the fish's unique way of movement. Its back forms a single, very long fin that rhythmically undulates, allowing the animal to remain motionless, as captured in the video. These fish usually reach lengths of around 75 feet, although some reports suggest that certain specimens have reached even 49 feet.
