The elusive ribbonfish: deep-sea phantom or a harbinger of seismic disaster?

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Ribbonfish are rarely seen alive, dwelling in the ocean's depths with a fragile, tape-like anatomy. While they are often dismissed as mere biological curiosities, some cultures believe these mysterious creatures emerge from the abyss to signal impending earthquakes, a theory that remains a subject of intense public fascination and debate.

The family Trachipteridae, known as ribbonfish, comprises about 10 recognized species of pelagic fish. Their appearance is unmistakable: a compressed, ribbon-like body, a narrow mouth, and a dorsal fin that spans the entire length of their back. Because they inhabit very deep waters, their physical structure is exceptionally delicate and brittle, making them a rare sight for humans. When they are spotted, it is usually because gales have driven them to the shore, or they have been left behind by a receding tide.

In Taiwan, the species Trachipterus ishikawae is famously dubbed the earthquake fish. This moniker stems from the popular belief that the fish are sensitive to disturbances in the ocean floor and rise to the surface following major seismic events. Proponents point to sightings in Hengchun in 2006, Taitung in 2007, and Japan in 2011 as evidence of this connection. However, the scientific consensus is far from settled; many recorded sightings of the fish do not correspond with any seismic activity, casting doubt on the reliability of the fish as a natural warning system.

The term ribbonfish is sometimes applied to unrelated species, such as the red bandfish or the high-hat, which can lead to taxonomic confusion. Unlike the deep-sea Trachipteridae, which are not bottom feeders, other fish like the largehead hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus) are common, predatory, and support major global fisheries. While the true ribbonfish remains a phantom of the deep, its cousin species are well-documented and abundant in tropical and temperate waters worldwide, highlighting the vast diversity hidden under the label of ribbonfish.

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