Featured Image Credit: ViralPress
Topics: World News, Animals
Lucy Devine
A 12.5ft oarfish has been found washed up on a beach in the Philippines.
The fish was found with severe injuries on an area of Leyte province.
Despite the best efforts of locals, the creature could not be saved and was buried nearby.
Following the discovery, officials have urged locals in the area not to panic over the sighting of the fish - which is nicknamed the 'harbinger of doom'.
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The deep sea fish, also known as Regalecus glesne, are characterised by their long, ribbon-like bodies.
They live deep in the ocean, and feed on small fish. They're not often seen - or captured - due to the fact they reside so far down.
But locals were shocked when a 12.5ft oarfish washed up onto the beach with horrific injuries, including 'disfigurement and heavy bleeding'.
The sighting was particularly troubling, due to oarfish being linked to natural disasters.
Folklore dictates that their presence precedes earthquakes.
Around a dozen oarfish were washed onto beaches between 2010 and 2011 - prior to the Tohoku earthquake - which mystics often argue enforces the belief. But officials are urging residents not to panic, insisting there is no substance to the claims.
The Office of Municipal Agriculture said in a statement: "Upon examination, it was discovered that the oarfish had suffered severe injuries to its face, including disfigurement and heavy bleeding.
"Oarfish, also known as Regalecus glesne, are deep-sea creatures characterised by their elongated, ribbon-like bodies."
The statement explained that the only evidence to support the myth was coincidental sightings before earthquakes, but emphasised that there is no scientific evidence at all.
"Found at depths of 200m to 1,000m (656ft to 3,280ft), they feed primarily on small fish, squid, and plankton. Despite their rarity, oarfish are often linked to myths, such as predicting earthquakes," it continued.
"However, there is no scientific evidence supporting this belief, despite occasional coincidental sightings during seismic events.
"Unfortunately, despite efforts to save it, the injured oarfish was pronounced dead and subsequently buried. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and conserving the diverse marine life inhabiting our oceans."
Despite their rarity, last month an oarfish was found in the Andaman Sea by Thai fishermen.
Following the sighting, one local claimed the region should prepare for a natural disaster.
Meanwhile, in July last year, divers off the northeast coast of Taiwan had a rare encounter with a giant oarfish.
The fish can grow up to 50-feet-long and are most commonly found 3,000ft below water.