Creepy monster fish on the beach: harbinger of an accident?

Creepy monster fish on the beach: harbinger of an accident?

Ocean Beach, Strahan, Tasmanien, Australien - am Ocean Beach in Strahan, Tasmania, the walker Sybil Robertson made a fascinating and at the same time creepy find. During her dog walk, she came across the body of an unusual fish that was an estimated two meters long and had a striking pattern. After shared photos in a Facebook group, she learned that it was a rare belt fish. These remarkable fish, which count among the bone fishing, can even be up to eight meters long, as [OE24] reports.

The Australian science authorities, including the CSIRO, immediately took rehearsals of the fish found for further examination. Sea biologist Neville Barrett from the University of Tasmania explained that it is extremely rare that a strap fish is flushed on ashore. Usually these animals live at great depths and sink directly onto the sea floor after their death. Occasionally sick copies swim on the surface, which led to the current incident.

the belt fish as a "doomsday fish"

The belt fish has a particularly bad reputation in different cultures. In Japanese mythology, the fish is considered a "doomsday fish" and is seen as a harbinger of natural disasters. According to reports, numerous straps were spotted before the devastating Tōhoku-Erdbieben 2011 on the coast of Japan. These sightings may have a connection with catastrophic events. However, the negative connotation of the fish extends far beyond Japan. According to [National Geographic], it is assumed that the belt fish, with a weight of up to 270 kilograms and its smooth skin, represents a bad omen when it is washed up.

Nevertheless, Barrett from the University of Tasmania expressed skepticism compared to the theory that these fish are really harbing of disasters. Studies have not demonstrated a statistical context between the appearance of belt fish and earthquakes, which is referred to as popular belief and superstition. Despite this scientific skepticism, the belt fish remains closely linked to the fear of impending natural events in the public idea.

what science knows about the beaches

Current straps of belt fish are not only limited to Australia. In California, copies on popular beaches such as La Jolly Cove and Grandview Beach were recently seen. Since 1901, only 20 belt fish have been discovered on the California coast before these finds. These fish usually live in depths of 200 to 1000 meters and are rarely visible, which makes their sudden appearances on the surface only more mysterious, as [Scilogs] describes.

Additional knowledge from scientific studies indicate that belt fish occur in connection with environmental changes such as higher surface temperatures, for example during El Niño years. This happens because it follows their prey, which is in warmer water.

The encounter of mysterious, deep -souling animals and human beliefs not only illuminates the mysterious nature of the oceans, but also the deeply rooted fears of the people in front of the unknown.

While research has so far not been causing a causal connection between the finds of belt fish and natural disasters, the myth remains. Perhaps the belt in Tasmania found will not only contribute to scientific education, but will also continue to be considered a cultural symbol for the mysterious forces of nature.