Oarfish sighting off Taiwan sparks earthquake superstitions
Divers spotted an unusual fish off the coast of Taiwan. The creature is native to this region but usually hides in the depths. This time, the flat fish, approximately two metres long, ventured into shallower waters, allowing the divers to capture this unique encounter on video.
In July 2023, diving instructor Wang Cheng-ru encountered a strange creature off the coast of Taiwan, near the Ruifang district of New Taipei City. The unusual creature is actually a fish belonging to the oarfish species (Regalecus glesne).
An unusual encounter off the coast of Taiwan
Residents of Taiwan believe that this rare deep-sea fish species appears only in certain situations—before an earthquake or right after it occurs. Consequently, they regard it as a harbinger of impending misfortune, and sometimes even doom. However, there are no scientific studies confirming such a correlation.
According to the diver, the fish captured on video did not appear in the shallower waters due to impending disaster. It had numerous circular wounds on its body, most likely due to a shark attack. In Cheng-ru's assessment, the fish was in poor condition, which is why it appeared in an area not typical for its habitat.
Wang Cheng-ru and his companions during the dive were surprised by the presence of this creature. They managed to record the event on film, where the fish appeared to be suspended in the water, as if it did not intend to flee. Typically, these animals inhabit waters at depths ranging from about 200 to 1,100 metres.
Attention should be paid to the fish's movement. Its back forms one very long fin, which rhythmically undulates, allowing the creature to remain motionless, as captured on the recording. These fish usually reach a length of about 23 metres, but there are reports of some specimens reaching even 15 metres.
