Rare deep-sea ‘doomsday fish’ washes up on Canary Islands coast

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🗞️ Driving the news: A rare deep-sea oarfish, often linked to natural disasters in folklore, has washed up on Playa Quemada beach in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, on February 10
• The video of the fish, known as the "Messenger of the Sea God" in Japanese mythology, has gone viral, sparking fears among superstitious viewers

🔭 The context: Oarfish, which inhabit deep-sea waters, have historically been associated with earthquakes, as seen before Japan’s 2011 earthquake
• Some scientists speculate they could be affected by seismic activity or underwater gas releases
• Similar strandings have occurred in California, with theories suggesting environmental stressors may push them to the surface

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The incident highlights how deep-sea species could act as indicators of underwater geological changes
• Climate change and ocean disturbances might also be influencing marine life behavior
• Understanding these events could improve early warning systems for natural disasters

⏭️ What's next: Scientists may investigate whether seismic activity or environmental factors contributed to this oarfish's appearance
• Further studies could assess whether these fish serve as reliable indicators of geological shifts
The event has reignited debates over folklore versus scientific explanations

💬 One quote: "It’s theoretically possible because when an earthquake occurs, there can be a build-up of pressure in the rocks which can lead to electrostatic charges that cause electrically charged ions to be released into the water." – Dr. Rachel Grant, Anglia Ruskin University

📈 One stat: Oarfish can grow over six meters long, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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