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Rare deep-sea 'dotdom' caught off Busan coast

Published: 23 Apr. 2026, 12:12 Updated: 23 Apr. 2026, 17:40

Four of the five 'dotdom' that were caught off the coast of Busan on April 19 [YONHAP]

Multiple specimens of a rare deep-sea striped jewfish, known locally as dotdom, were recently caught off the coast of Busan, according to local media reports, sparking rumors that their appearance is linked to seismic activity in Japan.

A fishing boat from Busan caught five dotdom on April 19, according to Yonhap News Agency, with the largest measuring 165 centimeters (5 feet, 5 inches) in length and weighing 90 kilograms (198 pounds).

Dotdom typically inhabit waters around 500 meters (1,640 feet) below the surface. They are rarely seen in Korea, with only about 30 caught annually in waters near the peninsula, earning them a reputation as a “legendary deep-sea fish” among fishermen.

The recent unusual cluster of catches has prompted speculation that they migrated closer to the surface due to earthquakes in Japan.

Although this claim is made whenever deep-sea species appear closer to shore, experts argue there is no scientific evidence supporting such a theory.

Instead, they say shifting ocean conditions, such as changes in water temperature and currents due to climate change, may be altering the depths at which such species are active, as well as the timing of their spawning.

The recent sightings, they say, highlight the need for closer monitoring of how environmental changes are reshaping marine ecosystems.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY KIM JI-HYE [[email protected]]