Fishermen in Barangay Dalahican, San Jose, Roxas were shocked after finding a massive 11-foot oarfish washed up dead on the shore.
A local fisherman said they saw the deep-sea creature struggling to swim toward the coastline before it eventually stopped moving and died.
The rare sight drew residents to the area, many expressing both awe and fear while witnessing the enormous fish up close.
The Municipal Agriculture Office of Roxas immediately responded, confirming the discovery and conducting an inspection to determine what caused the oarfish’s death.
Officials documented the scene and took photos, which quickly circulated on social media, sparking curiosity and concern among locals.
Marine experts explained that oarfish typically live thousands of feet deep in the ocean and rarely surface unless sick or disturbed by strong underwater activity.
Because of this, many people associate its appearance with seismic movement, a belief rooted in Japanese folklore calling it the “doomsday fish.”
Experts clarified, however, that there is no scientific link between oarfish sightings and earthquakes. They said environmental changes such as temperature shifts or pressure disturbances could force deep-sea species toward shallow waters.
Authorities urged residents to stay calm, avoid touching unusual marine creatures, and report similar discoveries to local officials for safety and study.
The discovery reminded locals of nature’s mystery and how the ocean’s depths continue to reveal signs of life rarely seen by humans.
