Three giant ‘doomsday fish’ wash up in one week, but harbinger of calamity a damp squib, say experts

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Three Oarfish Wash Up in Australia and New Zealand, Experts Dismiss Doom Myth"

Three giant ‘doomsday fish’ wash up in one week, but harbinger of calamity a damp squib, say experts analysis cover image The Guardian 9.1
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/06/three-giant-doomsday-fish-wash-up-in-one-week-but-harbinger-of-calamity-a-damp-squib-say-experts
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AI Analysis Average Score: 9.1
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TruthLens AI Summary

This week, three oarfish, commonly referred to as 'doomsday fish', were found washed up on the shores of Australia and New Zealand. Two of the specimens were discovered near Dunedin and Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island, while the third was located on Tasmania's west coast earlier in the week. The oarfish, known for their ethereal appearance and striking colors of purply-blue, silver, and crimson, have intrigued scientists and the public alike. Andrew Stewart, a curator of fishes at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, described the fish as beautiful and noted the unfortunate loss of the heads of the specimens, which contain important anatomical features such as earbones and teeth. Despite the excitement surrounding the sightings, experts have emphasized that there is no scientific evidence linking oarfish appearances to natural disasters or calamities, countering the myth that these creatures are harbingers of doom.

Oarfish are known to inhabit deep ocean waters, making their sightings quite rare. A/Prof Nick Ling, a fish ecologist from the University of Waikato, explained that their lifestyle involves hanging vertically in the water column, which is an extraordinary adaptation for survival. The rarity of encounters with oarfish adds to their mystique, as they are difficult to study due to their deep-sea habitat. Although oarfish have been linked to legends of sea serpents, a peer-reviewed study conducted in 2019 found no correlation between their appearances and the occurrence of earthquakes. As scientists continue to explore the biology and ecology of these magnificent fish, it is clear that the recent discoveries are more of a natural occurrence than a sign of impending disaster, reaffirming the need to separate myth from scientific reality.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article presents an intriguing yet calm analysis of the recent discovery of three oarfish, colloquially known as "doomsday fish," that washed up on the shores of Australia and New Zealand. While the sightings have historically been associated with ominous predictions, experts emphasize the lack of evidence linking these occurrences to impending natural disasters. This juxtaposition of myth and scientific reality offers a fascinating perspective on public perception of marine phenomena.

Purpose of the Article

The article appears to aim at demystifying the oarfish and dispelling fears associated with their sightings. By highlighting expert opinions, it reassures the public that there is no scientific basis for the belief that these fish herald calamity. This approach serves to educate readers while also addressing common superstitions, thus promoting a more rational understanding of marine biology.

Public Perception

By discussing the beauty and rarity of oarfish and presenting them through the lens of scientific inquiry, the article seeks to foster a sense of wonder about the natural world. This may lead to increased interest in marine conservation and research, moving away from fear-based narratives towards appreciation of biodiversity.

Potential Concealment of Information

There doesn't appear to be any significant information being hidden or obscured. Instead, the article seems transparent, focusing on scientific findings and expert opinions. However, it may downplay the sensational aspect of the sightings, which could attract more media attention or public interest if framed differently.

Trustworthiness of the News

The article is grounded in expert opinion and scientific studies, lending it a high degree of credibility. It references specific individuals and institutions, such as Andrew Stewart from the Museum of New Zealand and A/Prof Nick Ling from the University of Waikato, which further enhances its reliability. The mention of a peer-reviewed study from 2019 adds an additional layer of evidence supporting the claims made.

Connections to Other News

There may be related discussions in other news articles focusing on climate change, marine life, or natural disasters. However, this specific narrative emphasizes scientific understanding over sensationalism, making it a unique contribution to ongoing environmental dialogues.

Impact on Society and Economy

The article is unlikely to have direct effects on politics or the economy. However, it could influence public sentiment toward marine conservation efforts and scientific research funding, encouraging a shift towards valuing scientific inquiry over superstition.

Target Audience

The article likely appeals to environmentally conscious readers, science enthusiasts, and those interested in marine life. It may also resonate with individuals who appreciate factual reporting over sensational news.

Market Implications

While this article may not directly affect market trends or stock prices, it contributes to broader discussions about marine biology and conservation. Companies involved in environmental research or marine conservation could see increased interest as public awareness grows.

Geopolitical Relevance

From a geopolitical standpoint, the article does not highlight any immediate implications. However, the broader context of environmental awareness connects it to ongoing global discussions about climate change and its impacts on marine ecosystems.

AI Utilization

While it's possible that AI tools were used in drafting the article, there is no direct indication of this. The structured presentation and clear articulation suggest a human touch in writing, though AI might have assisted in organizing or analyzing the content. If AI was employed, it may have contributed to the clarity and accessibility of scientific information.

Manipulative Elements

The content does not exhibit overt manipulation. The language used is factual and educational, aiming to inform rather than incite fear. However, the framing of "doomsday fish" could be seen as a sensational technique to draw attention, although it is quickly countered by expert commentary.

Overall, the article provides a balanced view of a fascinating marine phenomenon, reinforcing the importance of scientific inquiry in understanding our natural world.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/06/three-giant-doomsday-fish-wash-up-in-one-week-but-harbinger-of-calamity-a-damp-squib-say-experts

Bad luck comes in threes, according to the saying. And this week three ethereal oarfish, nicknamed “the doomsday fish”, have washed up on the shores of Australia andNew Zealand.

Two headless specimens were found near Dunedin and Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island, following the discovery of an oarfish onTasmania’s west coast on Monday.

But scientists say there is no evidence of any link between oarfish sightings and imminent natural disaster.

Earlier in the week, an oarfish was found near the small coastal settlement of Aramoana, north of Dunedin. Another, washed upon Thursday at a stony beach near Birdlings Flat, a 45-minute drive from Christchurch.

Andrew Stewart, the curator of fishes at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, described the fish as “beautiful” and “otherworldly”, with their “purply-blue, silver and crimson” colours.

The museum had investigated collecting one of these “magnificent and ethereal-looking fish”, but seagulls arrived first and demolished their heads.

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That was disappointing because heads contained a lot of key features, Stewart said, such as earbones, teeth and gill rakers. Otherwise, he said, “when you’ve got an oarfish, you’ve got 8 metres in which every metre looks like every other metre – just rinse and repeat.”

Stewart said there were about 20 confirmed records of oarfish sightings in New Zealand.

Oarfish were probably the origin of sea serpent legends, he said. Although, there was little basis for their reputation as a harbinger of doom, given a peer-reviewed study in 2019 foundno linkbetween the appearance of oarfish and the arrival of earthquakes.

A/Prof Nick Ling, a fish ecologist from the University of Waikato, said sightings of oarfish are relatively rare.

“They live in the open ocean at significant depths and people just don’t encounter them. So because of that, they’re almost impossible to study.”

Oarfish, considered the longest bony fish in the world, hang vertically in the water and move by rippling their anal and dorsal fins, he said.

“They’re really beautiful fish,” Ling said. “It’s an extraordinary kind of lifestyle, just kind of hanging there, vertical in mid-water, presumably waiting for your food to happen along.”

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Source: The Guardian