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Discover Health and Harmony with Functional Medicine from Dr. Erica Oberg
Naturopathic Doctor Fresno La Jolla, CA

Naturopathic Doctor in La Jolla, CA

Have you ever been to a primary care doctor and wondered why they focus on treating symptoms instead of addressing the root cause of your illness? Rather than take a patient-centered approach to address questions like, “Why are you ill?” they prescribe medications that alleviate symptoms but don’t do much to solve the underlying issue that’s causing you to be sick.

When you have a runny nose, you’re handed an antihistamine. When you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, you’re prescribed a pill that treats the number. The truth is that this approach only tackles your symptoms. When the root cause isn’t fixed, your symptoms can get exponentially worse. Remember - your body’s dysfunction isn’t due to your meds not working.

This begs the question: Wouldn't you rather address the underlying cause of your health concerns so you can experience long-term relief? As a naturopathic doctor in La Jolla, CA, Dr. Erica Oberg takes a functional approach to medicine and well-being instead of treating the symptoms her patients endure.

Cultivate and Enhance Your Health with Guidance from Dr. Erica Oberg

Health is a state of vibrant vitality, abundant energy, and positive affect. It can be learned, cultivated, and practiced by everyone. Dr. Oberg's approach to health and medicine combines the rigors of science with the wisdom of nature and our bodies. She is passionate about helping people experience a higher level of health and vitality. As such, her clinical practice focuses on preventing, reversing, and taming chronic disease, neuro-degeneration, and anti-aging.

Dr. Oberg specializes in nutrition & lifestyle, IV therapy, and identifying the underlying causes of disease using advanced testing and creating customized treatment plans to help individuals dial in their lifestyle, dietary supplements, peptides, bioidentical hormones, anti-aging pharmaceuticals, and more. If you’re looking for individualized, science-based, proactive functional, integrative, or natural medicine, we believe you’ll resonate with Dr. Oberg and work your way through life’s challenges with help from our functional medicine clinic in La Jolla, CA.

Dr. Oberg and her team of licensed providers specialize in a range of naturopathic and science-based services, including but not limited to:

If you're ready to reclaim your vitality and learn more about Dr. Oberg's approach to health and medicine, we make it easy to get started. The first step is to have a complimentary 15-minute phone call to ask questions and determine if her approach is a good fit. Once Dr. Oberg understands your health needs and goals, your journey to optimal health and wellness truly begins.

Now that you know more about what makes Dr. Oberg different from other physicians, let's dig a little deeper into some of the most popular programs and clinical services offered at her functional medicine clinic.

  • Functional and Preventative Medicine
  • Hormone Replacement
  • IV Therapy
  • Diet and Nutrition
  • Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
  • Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine
  • Exosomes and Stem Cells
  • Peptides
  • Brain Health
  • Concierge Naturopathic Root Cause Primary Care
  • More

Hormone Balance Program

As people get older, many things change in life. Often, those changes are good, like having more self-control, financial freedom, and patience. Others are hard to deal with, especially when they're out of our control. Like all things in life, our hormones change when we get older. These fluctuations can cause problems for both men and women, including:

  • Mood Swings
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Sleep Problems
  • Less Bone Density
  • More Fat Around Midsection
 Fresno Holistic Medicine La Jolla, CA

If those symptoms sound familiar, you're not alone. A 2019 American Psychological Association survey found that almost half of women aged 30 to 60 in the US have experienced symptoms of a hormonal imbalance. Of course, as men age, they suffer from imbalanced hormones, too. Research from BodyLogicMD states that nearly 38% of males in America aged 45 and older have a testosterone deficiency.

The good news is that balancing your hormones and addressing the root cause of your symptoms doesn’t have to be hard. It’s a realistic goal with Dr. Oberg by your side. As a functional medicine doctor in La Jolla, CA, she can help your body metabolize and detoxify both your own hormones and the endocrine-disrupting chemicals infiltrating your life. When your hormones are in harmony, you experience improved energy, mood, and overall health – and that’s something to be excited about.

Features of Dr. Oberg's Comprehensive Three-Month Hormone Balancing Program

Our comprehensive Three-Month Hormone Balancing Program is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to take control of your hormonal health. This is no "one-and-done service" - it's a holistic journey that spans three transformative months, offering the support and guidance to become confident, capable, and healthier than ever. Features of our hormone balancing program include:

Healthcare

Healthcare and Coaching

You will receive support throughout your journey from Dr. Oberg, who will provide healthcare services, and our health coaches, who offers personalized coaching tailored to your specific needs.

Plan

Diet Plan

Nutrition has a significant impact on hormonal health. A customized hormone-balancing diet plan will be provided to help nourish the body optimally based on individual goals.

Tips

Tips and Tools

We provide a range of practical strategies and tips for regulating hormone balance through your nervous system. These techniques aim to empower you to take control of your well-being.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Testosterone Replacement Therapy, or Growth Hormone Therapy Balancing Program

When appropriate, we’ll prescribe you hormone replacement therapy (HRT), testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), or growth hormone peptide therapy to help balance your hormones.

At our functional medical office, we make it a point to correct the root causes of our patient's problems. We don't treat symptoms - but we do use them to figure out the underlying issues you're facing. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it could be time to consider HRT.

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Three Signs That a Male's Hormones Are Imbalanced

When you mention hormone replacement therapy, most people think the treatment is exclusively for females going through menopause. While that's partially true - HRT can relieve night sweats, hot flashes, and other menopause-related problems - men also deal with imbalanced hormones.

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Testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual health. Low levels can result in decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual performance issues. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may be a sign of imbalanced hormones or low testosterone levels.

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When your sleep patterns change - like when you have trouble falling or staying asleep - it could be a sign of a hormone imbalance. Testosterone is involved in regulating the sleep cycle, and insufficient levels of it can disrupt quality rest.

Naturopathic Doctor Fresno La Jolla, CA

Imbalances in hormones can affect mental health and mood. If a man shows signs of irritability, mood swings, or depression, it could indicate low testosterone or other hormonal issues. Hormone replacement therapy can help regulate mood by balancing your hormone levels.

Three Signs a Female's Hormones are Imbalanced

Menopause happens when a woman has not had a menstrual cycle for at least 12 consecutive months. It is a result of declining sex hormone levels, causing the ovaries to stop releasing egg cells. During menopause, women face a range of challenges.

 Fresno Holistic Medicine La Jolla, CA

Testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual health. Low levels can result in decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual performance issues. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may be a sign of imbalanced hormones or low testosterone levels.

 Natural Health Care Fresno La Jolla, CA

Irregular menstrual cycles are a common sign that women are nearing menopause, and their hormone levels may be shifting. The frequency of their periods may increase or decrease, and the amount of bleeding could be more or less than usual, while also lasting for a shorter or longer time.

 Naturopathic Treatment Fresno La Jolla, CA

Hot flashes are perhaps the most well-known symptom of menopause and a frequent sign that a woman's hormones are imbalanced. Hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth and sweating that are usually most intense on your face, neck, and chest.

Don't let hormone imbalances dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your balance, energy, and vitality. By working together with Dr. Oberg and her team, you can unlock the path to a healthier, more harmonious you.

Personalized IV Therapy

When you choose Dr. Oberg as your naturopathic doctor in La Jolla, CA, a new world of healthy living and wellness options are at your disposal. One of the most popular and effective ways to give your body the goodness it needs is with custom IV therapy at our functional medicine office.

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What is Personalized IV Therapy from Dr. Oberg?

Customized IV therapy from Dr. Oberg is all about tailoring your treatment to meet your health goals and needs. Unlike one-size-fits-all IV clinics, our team considers factors like nutrient deficiencies, hydration levels, and overall health to create a customized infusion. This personalized approach gives you better and more applicable results, whether you're looking to get a boost of energy, fortify your immune system, or get relief from a specific ailment.

Your custom IV therapy begins with a consultation with Dr. Oberg. During your initial meeting, we’ll get a better sense of what your brain and body needs. From there, we’ll create a custom infusion for you – not just a formula that matches your height, weight, and age.

Our IV drip therapy menu includes infusions such as:

  • Detox
  • Forever Young
  • Beauty from Within
  • Immune Boost
  • Cardio Tonic
  • Rehydrate and Rebalance
  • Performance and Recovery
  • NAD+
  • Exosomes
  • Custom IV Infusions

Does IV Therapy Really Help?

IV therapy is considered one of the best ways to get the nutrients and immune-boosting goodness your body needs because it gives you a more direct, efficient means of delivery. Unlike oral supplement, which often falls short due to digestive limitations, IV therapy ensures swift and comprehensive nutrient absorption. Some of the biggest benefits of IV therapy from a functional medicine doctor in La Jolla, CA include the following:

IV fluids and electrolytes rapidly hydrate your body, providing an efficient remedy for dehydration resulting from illness, physical activity, or excessive alcohol intake.

IV treatment is able to increase energy and fight tiredness, which can make you feel re-energized.

IV infusions containing immune-enhancing vitamins and antioxidants can fortify your immune system and assist in recovering from illness.

IV therapy containing growth factors, exosomes, and vitamins is effective in improving the health and appearance of the skin and hair. These components complement hair and facial microneedling treatments exceptionally well.

IV therapy can help reduce the symptoms of toxic exposure, like headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration, whether it's from a basic hangover or prolonged exposure to molds, heavy metals, or other toxins.

Dr. Oberg’s personalized IV infusions can serve as an initial boost for making lifestyle changes and play a role in a sustained plan to control persistent conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, cancer, heart disease, and others.

Support Mitochondria function and Anti-aging

Dr. Oberg offers carefully sourced and research backed regenerative therapies such as exosome and stem cell infusions. These can be powerful options for people recovering from chronic infections such as long COVID or Epstein Barr or Lyme. They are also powerful for neuro-regeneration and we frequently use them in stroke recovery and for traumatic brain injury.

Naturopathic Doctor Fresno La Jolla, CA

Dr. Oberg Has an IV Infusion with Your Name on It

Dr. Oberg offers personalized IV micronutrient therapy tailored to address specific nutritional deficiencies, hydration needs, and overall health. This therapy is based on advanced testing that evaluates your cells' nutrient levels. Whether you need more energy, a stronger immune system, or relief from different health issues, IV drip therapy can be customized to help you rediscover the very best version of yourself.

Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine

As we get older, our bodies experience a range of changes that affect our health and appearance. These changes are primarily caused by issues with mitochondria and cellular aging. However, there have been significant developments in regenerative medicine, offering the potential to turn back the hands of time and improve health. Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Oberg to begin your journey with regenerative medicine.

 Fresno Holistic Medicine La Jolla, CA

Regenerative Medicine Explained

Regenerative medicine is an exciting, innovative field that centers on activating your body's innate regenerative abilities to repair and revitalize tissues, cells, and organs. Its focus is on improving your body's natural healing processes to counteract the impacts of aging and different health issues. If you find that old, nagging injuries won’t go away or that fine lines and wrinkles have become overwhelming, anti-aging medicine from a functional medicine doctor in La Jolla, CA may be perfect for you.

At our naturopathic medical office, we use treatments like IV therapy, hormone replacement therapy, and Peptide Therapy to manage a broad array of health and aesthetic concerns. These treatments can aid in tissue repair, inflammation reduction, and enhancement of cellular function.

Anti-aging services offered at our functional medicine clinic include the following:

 Natural Health Care Fresno La Jolla, CA

Peptides are fundamental components of proteins and play a crucial role in various biological processes, such as the aging process. Dr. Oberg offers peptide treatments to help counteract age-related decline, enhance muscle growth and performance, improve skin health, and more.

 Naturopathic Treatment Fresno La Jolla, CA

When you bring your hormones back into balance, you can fight back against issues such as fatigue, mood swings, reduced libido, and even erectile dysfunction.

 Fresno Alternative Medicine La Jolla, CA

Replenish vital nutrients, antioxidants, and hydration for improved energy levels, skin health, and immune support.

Naturopathic Doctor Fresno La Jolla, CA

Exosomes are tiny vesicles generated from mesenchymal stem cells. These vesicles serve as powerful communicators, transmitting signals to various tissues in the body. Their main function is to trigger healing, regeneration, and repair processes, mimicking the actions of younger cells. They are considered to be one of the most effective strategies for combating the aging process.

 Fresno Holistic Medicine La Jolla, CA

When nutrition guidance, lifestyle adaptations, and powerful supplements are combined with naturopathic medical therapies from Dr. Oberg, you can reverse chronic diseases in your life and reach your anti-aging goals.

Who is the Best Candidate for Regenerative Medicine from Dr. Erica Oberg?

Our goal with regenerative medicine treatments is to rejuvenate deteriorating or aging tissue. Our approach to treatment centers on fixing and reversing damage instead of solely addressing symptoms like pain. Regenerative medicine harnesses the power of healthy cells to renew and restore function by enhancing the body's innate capacity for self-healing.

Dr. Oberg uses regenerative medicine to treat a range of issues, both aesthetic and injury-related, including the following:

 Natural Health Care Fresno La Jolla, CA
  • Stroke
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Long Covid
  • Chronic Fatigue & Epstein Barr Virus
  • Skin Tone and Skin Health
  • Neuropathy
  • Sexual Health Issues
  • Joint Pain
  • Tendonitis
  • Arthritis
  • Saggy Skin
  • Damaged Cartilage
  • Back Pain
  • More

Experience the future of anti-aging and regenerative medicine with Dr. Erica Oberg. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and embark on your journey to a healthier, more youthful you.

What Our Clients Are Saying

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The Premier Naturopathic Doctor in La Jolla, CA

When you visit our functional medicine clinic, you can rest easy knowing Dr. Erica Oberg uses her unique skills, knowledge, and naturopathic principles for the betterment of your health and well-being. Unlike many traditional primary care providers, our team combines the best aspects of traditional wisdom and modern scientific medicine to diagnose, treat, and prevent chronic diseases.

You don't have to worry about us suggesting addictive pain medications or treatments that simply mask your aesthetic or medical challenges. Instead, our goal is to address the underlying factors holding you back. If you're ready to take the first step toward purposeful progress and healthy living, contact us today.

Latest News in La Jolla, CA

24 La Jolla Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

The students are among more than 16,000 semifinalists in the running to be named a National Merit Scholar.Kristina Houck, Patch StaffLA JOLLA, CA — Dozens of San Diego area students — including 24 in La Jolla — were named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced this week.The students are among more than 16,000 semifinalists in the running to be na...

The students are among more than 16,000 semifinalists in the running to be named a National Merit Scholar.

Kristina Houck, Patch Staff

LA JOLLA, CA — Dozens of San Diego area students — including 24 in La Jolla — were named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced this week.

The students are among more than 16,000 semifinalists in the running to be named a National Merit Scholar, and receive a $2,500 scholarship to help them further their education. Roughly 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million will be awarded next spring, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

To become a finalist, semifinalists must submit a detailed scholarship application that provides information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. They must also be recommended by a high school official, receive SAT or ACT scores high enough to qualify, and write an essay.

About 95% of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists are expected to win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Winners will be announced between April and July 2025.

These are the semifinalists in San Diego County:

Find out what's happening in La Jollawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Carlsbad

Army and Navy Academy

Carlsbad High School

Pacific Ridge School

Sage Creek High School

Chula Vista

Olympian High School

El Cajon

Granite Hills High School

Encinitas

The Grauer School

San Dieguito Academy

Escondido

Classical Academy High School

San Pasqual High School

La Jolla

The Bishop's School

La Jolla Country Day School

La Jolla High School

La Mesa

Helix Charter High School

Oceanside

El Camino High School

Poway

Poway High School

Rancho Santa Fe

High Bluff Academy

San Diego

Cal Coast Academy

The Cambridge School

Canyon Crest Academy

Del Norte High School

Francis W. Parker School

Mission Bay High School

Morse High School

Mount Carmel High School

Mount Everest Academy

Rancho Bernardo High School

Scripps Ranch High School

Torrey Pines High School

University City High School

Westview High School

San Marcos

San Marcos High School

Santee

West Hills High School

Solana Beach

Santa Fe Christian School

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More from La Jolla

This Spirited New Boutique in La Jolla Is an Actual Tropical Dream

Roger DaviesDesigned by New York City–based architecture firm Georgis & Mirgorodsky (behind the interiors of the Grill at the Seagram Building, the Tiffany Gallery at the Museum of the City of New York, and many other high-profile projects) and styled by ...

Roger Davies

Designed by New York City–based architecture firm Georgis & Mirgorodsky (behind the interiors of the Grill at the Seagram Building, the Tiffany Gallery at the Museum of the City of New York, and many other high-profile projects) and styled by Anita Sarsidi, it’s a feminine and funky paradise that effortlessly taps into the coastal chicness of its La Jolla surroundings.

Zoe Kleinbub, who owns the boutique alongside her husband, Eric, tells ELLE DECOR that, in conceptualizing Tropical Punch, she was guided by the dual beliefs of investing in quality items capable of lasting a lifetime and always surrounding yourself with beauty.

Tropical Punch’s interiors—by the star firm Georgis & Mirgorodsky—are cheery, tropical, and feminine.

“It’s an extraordinary space. When you get inside, it has a very grounding feeling: You just feel a sense of calm and safety,” she says. “Regarding the design, we started with color, as simple as that. It took a while to get that right. We probably had five revisions of the perfect pink, so I consider this my perfect pink.”

The palm tree mural in the changing room is oil on canvas, by Eloin Rivera.

The perfectly-pink walls contain a bevy of surprises you won’t find anywhere else. There’s a prickly pear cactus–shaped chair by Georgis & Mirgorodsky, upholstered in a luxe chenille velvet. There’s a host of private label items, Mongolian cashmere blankets (hand-spun, hand-painted), as well as little luxuries from brands like Studio Amos, Ginori1735, La Chicharra Cerámica, and Baccarat. Then there’s Kleinbub’s namesake Zoe pouf, which resembles a plump gourd, also designed by Georgis & Mirgorodsky: “It was [originally] for our house,” she explains. “I was like, ‘I don’t like sitting on a couch. I love sitting closer to the floor!’ That's where the idea started.”

“It took me probably three to four years and a lifetime of [determining] what I like and what I gravitate to,” the boutique owner adds.

Roger Davies

Those who linger long enough will soon discover a selection of antique art pieces from Hawaii, Colombia, India, Alaska, and beyond—inspired by her husband’s passion for collecting ancient Peruvian ceramics. “It adds to the color and the layers of everything and then it creates a story. Every single piece that is in the boutique has its story,” she tells us.

For those who want to extend their sensory journey beyond the boutique, the Kleinbubs also own a restaurant—Paradisaea, a Michelin honoree—in the same building. Come for Georgis & Mirgorodsky’s invigorating, personality-rich interiors, and stay for the dry-aged branzino.

Stacia Datskovska

Assistant Digital Editor

Stacia Datskovska, Assistant Digital Editor at ELLE DECOR, covers design, decor, and architecture—with an eye towards trends and culture at large. She has previously written for USA Today, the Boston Globe, Teen Vogue, Apartment Therapy, and more.

Photos show 'incredibly rare' dead sea serpent surfacing in Southern California waters

...

A group of researchers were out for a swim in San Diego recently when they encountered an oarfish, an "incredibly rare" creature whose appearance is an omen of impending disaster. Specifically, earthquakes, which are known to rattle the region frequently.

The researchers saw the dead sea serpent while they were snorkeling and kayaking at La Jolla Cove in San Diego, Lauren Fimbres Wood, a spokesperson for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, told USA TODAY on Friday.

They contacted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and a Scripps' Marine Vertebrate collection manager, coordinating with lifeguards at the beach to help get the "large and heavy fish" transported to a nearby NOAA facility, Fimbres Wood said. And take plenty of photos of the rare sight, of course.

The deep-sea fish has only been seen in the state 20 times since 1901, making the find especially notable for the group. And thanks to their work, scientists will be able to further study this mysterious species, Fimbres Wood said.

It's set to become part of Scripps’ marine vertebrate collection, one of the largest collections of deep-sea fish in the world, Fimbres Wood said.

Photos: Snorkelers and kayakers document 'rare' find while out for a swim

It's not clear why the "mysterious species" was spotted above the surface, but it did provide an excellent opportunity for Emily Miller, Natalia Erazo, Alejandro Cano-Lasso Carretero, Gabriella Costa Machado da Cruz, Michael Wang and Luis Erazo to snap a couple pictures with the oarfish before it was turned over.

NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center and Scripps scientists worked to learn a little more about the specimen collected, conducting a necropsy on Friday to determine the cause of death. Fimbres Wood could not be reached for comment Monday afternoon to discuss the details of the necropsy.

What makes the sight of the oarfish particularly interesting is that they typically live in the deep sea, dwelling anywhere between 700 and 3,280 feet below the surface, USA TODAY reported. They rarely come up to the surface without a reason.

Hiroyuki Motomura, a professor of ichthyology at Kagoshima University, told the New York Post, that he believes the fish nicknamed "messenger from the sea god’s palace" only "rise to the surface when their physical condition is poor, rising on water currents, which is why they are so often dead when they are found."

And any connection between the fish and any impending earthquakes has yet to be scientifically proven, Motomura shared with The Post.

Here's a look at the oarfish discovery in pictures:

Contributing: James Powel; USA TODAY

'Incredibly rare' dead sea serpent surfaces in California waters; just 1 of 20 since 1901

Japanese folklore holds that the oarfish is an omen of an impending earthquake. Known in Japanese as the 'messenger from the sea god's palace,' there is no scientific evidence supporting a connection.Nothing marks the sign of impending doom like the appearance of the elusive oarfish, according to Japanese folklore. Hopefully it's just a myth, sin...

Japanese folklore holds that the oarfish is an omen of an impending earthquake. Known in Japanese as the 'messenger from the sea god's palace,' there is no scientific evidence supporting a connection.

Nothing marks the sign of impending doom like the appearance of the elusive oarfish, according to Japanese folklore. Hopefully it's just a myth, since one was recently found floating in Southern California waters for only the 20th time in nearly 125 years.

A team of “sciencey” kayakers and snorkelers found the dead sea serpent while they were out for a swim at La Jolla Cove in San Diego over the weekend, according to Lauren Fimbres Wood, a spokesperson for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego.

A number of people, including the team of scientists and lifeguards, worked together to get the oarfish from the beach to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration facility, Fimbres Wood told USA TODAY on Friday.

Only 20 oarfish have washed up in the state since 1901, making the sighting of the deep-sea fish “incredibly rare,” according Scripps' in-house fish expert Ben Frable.

A necropsy for the “mysterious species” was underway Friday afternoon, with scientists working to determine cause of death.

Oarfish are an omen of impending disaster, Japanese folklore says

The belief that the sight of an oarfish in shallow waters is an omen of an impending earthquake dates back to 17th century Japan, according to reporting by Atlas Obscura.

The fish, also know as “ryugu no tsukai,” were believed to be servants of the sea god Ryūjin, according to Japanese folklore.

It’s believed that “Ryugu no tsukai,” which translates to “messenger from the sea god’s palace,” were sent from the palace toward the surface to warn people of earthquakes, USA TODAY reported.

There were multiple sightings of the fish reported ahead of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and Fukishima nuclear disaster, but there is no scientific evidence to suggest that the two events are connected, Hiroyuki Motomura, a professor of ichthyology at Kagoshima University, told the New York Post.

“I believe these fish tend to rise to the surface when their physical condition is poor, rising on water currents, which is why they are so often dead when they are found,” Motomura told the Post.

The “connection” between the two might have to do with the fact that the shimmery creature typically lives in the deep sea, dwelling anywhere between 700 and 3,280 feet below the surface, according to USA TODAY reporting. And it rarely comes up to the surface.

These majestic creatures have been spotted in waters all over the world, with sightings reported in California, Maine, New Jersey, Taiwan and Japan, of course.

Cause of oarfish washing ashore unclear

Scientists are unable to speculate why the oarfish washed ashore in California over the weekend, saying that each specimen collected provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the species.

The unique creature will be preserved for future study, becoming part of the Scripps’ Marine Vertebrate Collection, one of the largest collections of deep-sea fish in the world, according to Fimbres Wood.

Should you encounter a unique creature on a California beach, you are encouraged to alert lifeguards and contact the institute at (858) 534-3624 or at scrippsnews@ucsd.edu. Taking creatures home is prohibited.

Contributing: James Powell; USA TODAY

Rare sighting: ‘Doomsday fish’ found near Southern California shore

SAN DIEGO (KSWB/KUSI) – In a rare and perhaps ominous sighting, an oarfish was found floating near California’s La Jolla Shores over the weekend.According to a spokesperson from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, a team of science kayakers and snorkelers were out in La Jolla Cove Saturday afternoon and found the dead oarfish.Several people then worked together t...

SAN DIEGO (KSWB/KUSI) – In a rare and perhaps ominous sighting, an oarfish was found floating near California’s La Jolla Shores over the weekend.

According to a spokesperson from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, a team of science kayakers and snorkelers were out in La Jolla Cove Saturday afternoon and found the dead oarfish.

Several people then worked together to carry the sea creature from the ocean to the bed of a truck using a paddleboard. The oarfish was then turned over to professionals at the institute.

“Thanks to the work from these locals, scientists will be able to further study this mysterious species as it will become part of the Marine Vertebrate Collection at Scripps, one of the largest collections of deep-sea fish in the world,” said Brittany Hook, assistant director of communications for Scripps.

On Friday, scientists from NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center and Scripps will perform a necropsy to see if they can determine a cause of death.

While most oarfish measure anywhere from 10 to 30 feet long, Hook confirmed that this one was right at 12 feet long.

In some areas of the world, this species of fish is considered a preview of bad news or a natural disaster, like an earthquake or tsunami. As explained by Hook, this correlation has not been proven, though there have been reports of them washing up before such events.

In 2011 for instance, more than 20 oarfish reportedly washed ashore in Japan, just a few months before a 9.1 earthquake struck.

Just a couple days after the oarfish sighting in La Jolla, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.4 shook Southern California about 2.5 miles south, southeast of Highland Park near Los Angeles. Whether or not these events are connected is questionable, though it does spark some curiosity.

“Experts don’t have any evidence to theorize why these fish are washing ashore in Southern California, but learn more from each specimen that is collected,” said Hook.

According to Ocean Conservancy, this sea creature has also been nicknamed the “Doomsday Fish” and it’s unusual for humans to encounter them as they primarily reside within the deep sea.

Is this sighting a bad omen or was this oarfish sick? Only time and science will tell.

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