A rare 'doomsday' oarfish washed ashore dead in the Philippines, sparking earthquake fears among superstitious locals.

The deep-sea creature measuring around 5ft long was discovered by fishermen lying lifeless on the rocks along the shores of Baybay City, Leyte province, on August 2.

Resident Reyval Salubre said the fish was already dead when it was found. Its emergence from the ocean alarmed several villagers, who believe the animal heralded impending disaster.

However, state seismology agency PHIVOLCS clarified there was no scientific basis for the superstition.

Oarfish live in temperate to tropical regions, typically living between 650 to 3,200 feet below the ocean's surface.

Because they thrive in great depths, few of them can survive being pulled to shallow waters where currents are more turbulent.