A rare and majestic oarfish has washed up on the shores of Preservation Bay in Penguin, Tasmania, sending shockwaves among marine experts. The three-metre-long giant, its body shimmering in shades of silver and blue, lay motionless on the beach, drawing a swarm of gulls to its side.
Local resident Tony Cheesman was the first to spot the oarfish, describing it as "massive" with "beautiful colours" and long fans protruding from its chin and head. While its unusual appearance is undeniably striking, Cheesman's reaction seemed more one of wonder than trepidation, as he noted, "It was too nice a day for that."
According to Professor Culum Brown, an expert in fish at Macquarie University, the oarfish is likely the giant oarfish, with some specimens reaching lengths of up to eight or nine metres. However, due to its deep-sea habitat, it's rarely seen by humans.
In Japanese folklore, oarfish are known as "the sea god's palace messenger," believed to herald calamity, such as an earthquake or tsunami. However, a study found no link between sightings of these slender creatures and imminent disaster. Brown notes that oarfish simply "rock up at random" with little predictability.
The discovery has sparked curiosity about the creature's legendary appeal, which is similar to other deep-sea dwellers like giant squid. According to David Waldron, an associate professor and historian, when sailors in the 19th century saw oarfish, it was often when they were ill and thrashing about on the surface.
The discovery has also drawn parallels with tales of sea serpents, with some speculating that the reported "mystic creature" at Penguin in 1878 might be an oarfish. One thing is clear: this majestic fish has captured the imagination of all who have seen it, inspiring both awe and speculation about its significance.
As for whether this particular oarfish was a harbinger of doom? Cheesman's response was characteristically downbeat, "It was too nice a day for that."
Local resident Tony Cheesman was the first to spot the oarfish, describing it as "massive" with "beautiful colours" and long fans protruding from its chin and head. While its unusual appearance is undeniably striking, Cheesman's reaction seemed more one of wonder than trepidation, as he noted, "It was too nice a day for that."
According to Professor Culum Brown, an expert in fish at Macquarie University, the oarfish is likely the giant oarfish, with some specimens reaching lengths of up to eight or nine metres. However, due to its deep-sea habitat, it's rarely seen by humans.
In Japanese folklore, oarfish are known as "the sea god's palace messenger," believed to herald calamity, such as an earthquake or tsunami. However, a study found no link between sightings of these slender creatures and imminent disaster. Brown notes that oarfish simply "rock up at random" with little predictability.
The discovery has sparked curiosity about the creature's legendary appeal, which is similar to other deep-sea dwellers like giant squid. According to David Waldron, an associate professor and historian, when sailors in the 19th century saw oarfish, it was often when they were ill and thrashing about on the surface.
The discovery has also drawn parallels with tales of sea serpents, with some speculating that the reported "mystic creature" at Penguin in 1878 might be an oarfish. One thing is clear: this majestic fish has captured the imagination of all who have seen it, inspiring both awe and speculation about its significance.
As for whether this particular oarfish was a harbinger of doom? Cheesman's response was characteristically downbeat, "It was too nice a day for that."
So, like, the news about the oarfish washing up on the beach in Tasmania is pretty cool, but I'm surprised people are so worked up over it. I mean, yeah, it's a big deal that it's an oarfish and all, but like, we already know that from Japanese folklore and stuff.
i'm so fascinated by these sea creatures like r they from another world? 
why do they always have to be so mysterious and deep-sea dweller or wut? 
i mean ppl are already freakin out about the "mystic creature" at penguin in 1878, now this one shows up and everyone's all abuzz 
i love how tony just said it was too nice a day for calamity lol what if we just need more oarfish sightings to calm us down? 
some ppl think they're harbingers of doom, but probs just random deep-sea wanderers 
Oarfish just want to chill on the beach, not bring earthquakes 
. maybe we should just be stoked dat da oarfish showed up on da beach 2 b all chill 
And who knows, maybe Tony was right... maybe it's just too nice a day for doom 
who needs that when you've got a fish as gorgeous as this?! lets just enjoy the awesomeness of this moment and not worry about any drama 
It's almost like we're seeing this creature through the lens of folklore and mythology. I mean, who needs drama when you've got a sea god's palace messenger washing up on your beach? 
I mean, think about it, folks! This rare oarfish washes up on the beach and suddenly everyone's all like, "Oh no, is this the sea god's palace messenger coming to foretell disaster?" 
And what about all those "mystic creatures" that got caught up in the 19th-century sailor tales? Just a bunch of tall tales if you ask me. 
? It's no wonder locals and marine experts are freaking out! 
.
. And can we talk about Tony Cheesman's comment about it being a "nice" day? 
I mean, three metres long is no joke, but I guess when it comes to an oarfish, size doesn't matter as much as being rare and beautiful! 
#OarfishSighting #TasmaniaWildlife #MysticCreatures
