One fish that some superstitiously associate with impending danger have washed up on shores three times in a single week, triggering scientists to investigate quite why this has happened.
There are plenty of bizarre things in the sea from hidden 'lost' natural cities at the bottom of the ocean to eerie animal calls that mystify researchers, yet perhaps the strangest discoveries are those that wash up on the shore.
You might imagine that the ocean's largest creatures would cause the biggest stir - and they certainly do draw plenty of attention - but one marine creature in particular terrifyingly known as the 'apocalypse fish' has caused significant alarm by washing up on nearby shores on three occasions in across a short period of time.
What is the apocalypse fish?
The apocalypse fish, sometimes also referred to as the 'doomsday fish', is another moniker for the Oarfish - a sea serpent-like specimen that looks like it has been ripped straight out of a mythical fantasy, as reported by The Guardian.
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Oarfish typically grow anywhere between 8 and 11 meters long, although some unconfirmed reports have estimated that they can stretch as far as 17 meters.
It is known for its rather unique appearance, with glowing sky blue scales and an orange or pink fin that stretches from head to tail, making it seem almost otherworldly compared to many other fish in the ocean.
One reason why the fish is considered so special though is its rarity, as it has only been seen around 20 times along the California coast in the last 124 years, and around 20 times in New Zealand across history.
That's why having three appear on shores in a single week remains both staggering and concerning, especially as their appearance is linked with other concerning trends.
Why are Oarfish called apocalypse fish?
The Oarfish gets its alternate moniker through the superstitious belief that links its appearances with natural disasters and catastrophic events, as many believe see it as a warning in the rare event that one does wash up on shore.
That's why having three appear in a single week is particularly alarming for scientists, especially as two washed in New Zealand in Aramoana and Birdlings Flat, whereas a third appeared on Ocean Beach in Australia.
One 2019 study published in GeoScienceWorld has ruled that there is no concrete link between Oarfish sightings and impending earthquakes, indicating that it is simply folklore, yet many still remain attached to their beliefs.
It remains to be seen if these recent sightings will lead to anything, as while science has determined that they don't mean anything in the grand scheme of things, it's not exactly a good sign for an incredibly rare fish to suddenly appear dead three times in a single week.