Rare ‘Doomsday Fish’ washes up on Tasmania’s coast, leaving scientists stunned
A rare oarfish, known in folklore as the "doomsday fish," was discovered on the rugged coastline of Tasmania, The Guardian reports. The unusual sighting quickly drew global attention from scientists and nature enthusiasts, intrigued by the deep-sea creature’s sudden appearance and the myths surrounding it.
Key information
- A rarely seen oarfish, known as the "doomsday fish", was found on the coast of Tasmania in Australia.
- The fish can reach a length of up to 26 feet and lives at depths of up to 1,640 feet.
- The discovery was made by Sybil Robertson during a walk on Ocean Beach.
An incredible discovery on the beach
While walking along the remote Ocean Beach near the town of Strahan on Tasmania’s west coast, Sybil Robertson made an extraordinary discovery. According to The Guardian, she spotted a long, silvery fish washed ashore—later identified as the elusive oarfish, one of the world’s longest marine species, capable of growing up to 26 feet in length.
The oarfish—often referred to as the "king of herrings" or the "doomsday fish"—typically inhabits depths between 492 and 1,640 feet, making sightings extremely rare. As an epipelagic species, it lives in the open ocean, far from coastal areas, which adds to its mysterious reputation and infrequent encounters with humans.
Fascinating creature from the depths
Robertson’s discovery quickly drew the interest of scientists, including Professor Neville Barrett of the University of Tasmania. Speaking to The Guardian, Barrett described oarfish as "a phenomenally big fish," noting they can weigh over 880 pounds. Despite their size, they are slow-moving, drifting through the water as they feed primarily on plankton.
Robertson says she feels lucky to have discovered the oarfish before nature took its course—just hours later, seabirds had begun picking apart the massive carcass. "It's amazing what you can find if you just open your eyes," she told The Guardian.
