Two fishermen recently caught a rare and intimidating deep-sea creature known as the “doomsday fish,” recognized for its unusual head shape. While most fishing trips aren’t typically newsworthy, this catch stands out due to the fish’s unique features and impressive size.
Caught off Melville Island near the Tiwi Islands, the fish earned the nickname “doomsday fish” for its powerful appearance. Curtis Peterson from Tiwi Islands Adventures reeled in the massive creature during a nighttime fishing trip, and his unusual catch has since gained attention after being posted on the Fishing Australia TV Facebook page.
The fish’s photo was also shared on Reddit, drawing plenty of reactions. Some likened it to a sci-fi creature, while others were concerned about posing with rare, deceased animals. Another commenter found its appearance fascinating.
Despite its “doomsday” nickname, the fish is likely an Oarfish, a deep-sea species known to inhabit waters up to 1,000 meters deep, which makes live sightings extremely rare. Oarfish are usually found washed ashore, so this catch was particularly unusual. NT News fishing columnist Alex Julius mentioned this was the first recorded capture of an Oarfish in the area, emphasizing its rarity.
The nickname “doomsday fish” isn’t just online buzz; it’s tied to ancient lore. According to Business Standard, Oarfish sightings have long been associated with natural disaster predictions, especially in Japan.