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2024-11-11

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Shimmering oarfish rarely seen near ocean surface pops up on Mexico beach (www.theguardian.com)

submitted 1 week ago by MicroWave to c/science

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Summary

A rare oarfish, a deep-sea species typically found at depths of 660–3,280 feet, was spotted alive near a beach in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Visitors attempted to guide the injured fish back into the water, and it was later taken to a marine biologist.

Oarfish sightings have increased, possibly due to changing ocean conditions.

Historically linked to folklore, they have been called "doomsday fish," though research debunks any connection to earthquakes. Similar deep-sea creatures have recently surfaced in other locations, raising scientific curiosity.

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[–] Lon3star 13 points 6 days ago

Doomsday fish, right on time

[–] Tarquinn2049 8 points 6 days ago

I would imagine they aren't accustomed to the amount of propulsion necessary to counter surface waves and currents. So once they get up here, not only are they likely blinded by how bright it is, but they can't fight where the water is pushing them. No idea which way leads to deeper water, and no way to get there if they could figure it out.

[–] SolidShake 3 points 6 days ago

Yeah this is more common than you'd think though.