The local community in Japan is currently in a state of panic as they perceive a colossal “sea dragon” found on a beach as an ominous sign of impending earthquakes.

According to a report by SCMP, a nearly 4-meter-long paddlefish was discovered in a fishing net off the port of Imizu, Toyama Prefecture, on Monday. Unfortunately, the fish had already died, but it was later taken to the nearby Uozu Aquarium for further study.

Two other paddlefish were also found in Toyama Bay nine days prior to this incident.

The paddlefish is commonly referred to as the “messenger from the sea god’s palace” and sometimes called the “sea dragon” due to its unique shape. Some people believe that when this fish washes ashore, it serves as a sign of an impending earthquake. There is a belief that large fish often come to the surface in an attempt to escape earthquakes originating from the bottom of the sea.

In 2010, ten paddlefish were found stranded along Japan’s northern coast. Months later, a massive earthquake struck northeastern Japan, triggering a devastating tsunami that claimed the lives of nearly 19,000 people and caused significant damage, including the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster.

Consequently, the recent findings have sparked fear among Japanese netizens, as reported by The Sun.

One Twitter user expressed, “Without a doubt, this is proof that an earthquake is imminent.”

However, Hiroyuki Motomura, a professor of biology at Kagoshima University, provides a scientific explanation for the appearance of paddlefish.

“I believe these fish have a tendency to float to the surface when their physical condition deteriorates, which is why they are usually already dead when found,” Motomura said.

“The suspicion that paddlefish are related to seismic activity arose many years ago, but there is no scientific evidence of this connection, so I don’t think people need to worry.”

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