Harbinger of Earthquakes: Rare giant oarfish spotted near Taiwan's coast; sparks concerns of seismic activity

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

oarfish, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest fish with a bony skeleton, has made headlines as a group of divers encountered this unique creature near the east coast of Taiwan. Known in Japanese mythology as a harbinger of earthquakes, the appearance of this rare fish with bite marks on its body has sparked concerns of potential seismic activity in Taiwan. The captivating video, which swiftly went viral, was initially shared on the Instagram page «Wealth.» It showcases a group of divers encircling the radiant silver fish in the picturesque Ruifang region of Taipei County.

In the footage, one of the divers reaches out to touch the fish, only to witness it swiftly dart away. The oarfish measured approximately 6.5 feet in length, making it smaller than the record-breaking maximum of 36 feet, yet still an impressive specimen. The Guinness Book of World Records acknowledges the oarfish as the longest recorded fish in existence.

However, the divers harbor concerns about its presence near Taiwan's coast. In Japanese folklore, the oarfish is believed to be an omen of imminent earthquakes. Moreover, these creatures typically inhabit depths ranging from 656 to 3200 feet below the ocean's surface.

The link between oarfish sightings and seismic events gained traction following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Fukushima in 2011. The uncharacteristic appearance of these deep-sea dwellers in shallow coastal waters further fuels intrigue. Normally, they remain hidden from sight due to their preference for the enigmatic depths of the ocean.