G.A. Viray
The Philippines is a a haven for many different marine species, most actually rare and beautiful. New marine species were even discovered at the Verde Island Passage.
Read: LOOK: New marine species discovered in the Philippines
Just recently, another rare species of fish was found on the coast of Panay Island. First posted on the Facebook Page ID Please (Marine Creature Identification), the photo of the fish was posted by Theresa Lewis. Lewis asked people to identify the fish which was eight feet long. It was later identified as an oarfish, which the Japanese believe is a sign of an impending earthquake.
What is an oarfish?
The oarfish is a large elongated fish which is usually found in temperate and tropical countries. The oarfish that was found in Panay Island measured eight feet, however, oarfish can actually grow up to 36 feet in length. Also called “sea serpent”, the oarfish is rarely seen or caught alive, and they are not ideal for eating due to their gelatinous consistency. (Source)
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
According to the fishermen who found the oarfish in Panay Island, it may have been attacked by a shark when they found it.
Photo Credit: ID Please (Marine Identification) Facebook Page.
A sign of an impending earthquake?
The Japanese believe that oarfish are a sign of impending earthquakes. According to their belief, oarfish rise to the surface since they can sense seismic fault movements. Oarfish are bottom-dwellers and act in uncharacteristic ways when there is a coming earthquake.
In 2011, an 3.5-meter oarfish was found on a coast of Taiwan after a Tsunami hit Japan. 20 oarfish were also found on several beaches in Japan.
However, there are no recent scientific studies that back up this belief. Scientists say oarfish would usually just leave their dwelling when they are disoriented or extremely starved. So people need not panic about the appearance of this fish, rare or not.
Featured Photo Credit: Theresa Lewis / ID Please
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