Rare 'doom fish' discovered off San Diego coast stirs intrigue
9:31 AM EDT, August 22, 2024
A fish measuring up to 12 feet and resembling a silver ribbon was found dead on the water's surface off the coast of San Diego. Scientists studying similar species confirm that this is an extremely rare occurrence.
A group of kayakers and divers discovered this giant near La Jolla Cove beach in San Diego. This is only the 20th time since 1901 that such a fish was found on the water's surface.
Strange fish found off the coast of San Diego
The natural habitat for these strange-looking giants is the deep sea, where they live in the so-called "twilight zone" at 650 to 3,300 feet depth. Scientists believe they live a rather solitary life, feeding mainly on plankton, crustaceans, and even squid.
It is not clear what caused this fish to appear on the surface. However, scientists plan to conduct thorough studies that might bring more answers. For now, they suggest it could have been due to injury, illness, or disorientation.
"Doom fish"
Studying creatures living in the so-called "twilight zone" is difficult, so dead specimens often provide researchers with valuable information.
"With help from @NOAAFisheries& @caseagrant, the group was able to coordinate with lifeguards to transport the fish to the NOAA facility. Scientists from NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center & Scripps Oceanography will perform a necropsy to determine the cause of death," wrote Scripps Institution of Oceanography on their X profile.
Interestingly, although not well known, the found fish does not enjoy a good reputation. Many myths and superstitions have grown around it. In Japan, many call it the "doom fish," believing its appearance heralds an earthquake and tsunami. Two days after being found off the coast of San Diego, California was hit by an earthquake of 4.4 on the Richter scale. However, scientists do not support perpetuating these myths and believe it was a coincidence.
