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How Does It Rain Fish?

Jillian O Keeffe
Jillian O Keeffe

Fish don't usually fall from the sky, but this unusual meteorological phenomenon is possible although rare. The best explanation for this odd occurrence is that strong air disturbances, such as tornadoes, can lift water and fish up into the air. Then, the tornado can carry them for some distance. When the tornado becomes weaker, its energy is not capable of holding objects up off the ground any longer, and it begins to rain fish. This can also be referred to as "animal rainfall," but often, the event is simply described as "raining fish."

A tornado is a very strong wind that twists around itself. The inside of the tornado, known as the vortex, contains calm air. The outside air moves upward and around the calm center. The air at the bottom of the tornado is constantly moving upward, so as the air moves, new air is pulled up after it. This draws in objects underneath the tornado and sends them upward.

Waterspouts may lift fish up into the air and carry them for some distance before dropping them from the sky.
Waterspouts may lift fish up into the air and carry them for some distance before dropping them from the sky.

Fish live in water, but tornadoes usually begin over land. If the tornado then moves over water, it can create what is known as a waterspout. Instead of pulling air upward, it pulls water upward. Fish in the water can also be drawn out at the same time.

Waterspouts can move at speeds of up to 100 miles (161 kilometers) an hour. This means that fish can travel far away from their original location. The waterspout can only maintain its violent energy temporarily, and when it loses momentum, it can rain fish. Fish may, surprisingly, survive the waterspout and the fall to the ground. If the air inside the tornado is cold enough, the fish may also freeze.

The meteorological phenomenon of waterspouts does not just have the capability to rain fish. Over the centuries, there have been reports of skydiving frogs, crayfish, and lizards. Stones can also fall from the sky.

A waterspout is a tornado-like vortex that occurs in or above water.
A waterspout is a tornado-like vortex that occurs in or above water.

One report from the mid-1900s even tells the story of a rain of candy. Most of the unusual rainfall items can be traced back to water sources. With items falling from the sky, another more mundane possibility is that they were dropped from an aircraft.

A feature of events that rain fish or other items is that usually only one type of object falls on one area. Scientists suggest this is because each item differs in weight and size from others. The lighter and smaller objects tend to be carried for longer periods than heavy and large objects.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can it really rain fish or is that just a myth?

Yes, it can indeed "rain" fish, although it's a rare meteorological phenomenon. This event, scientifically known as animal rain, occurs when small water animals like fish or frogs are swept up in waterspouts or updrafts and then dropped over land. Documented instances, such as the one in Honduras with the "Lluvia de Peces" (Rain of Fish), provide credible evidence of this extraordinary occurrence.

2. What causes fish to fall from the sky?

Fish fall from the sky when they are caught up in a strong weather event, typically a tornado or waterspout. These powerful whirlwinds can lift fish from bodies of water and carry them over a considerable distance. When the weather system loses energy, the fish are dropped back to the ground, sometimes miles away from their original habitat.

3. How often does this phenomenon occur?

Animal rain is a very infrequent event, with notable occurrences reported only a handful of times around the globe each year. Specific locations, like Yoro in Honduras, claim to experience this phenomenon annually, but such regularity is exceptional rather than the norm.

4. Are there any dangers associated with fish rain?

While fish rain is mostly a harmless and fascinating meteorological event, there can be minor dangers associated with it. The primary risk comes from the severe weather conditions that cause the phenomenon, such as tornadoes or strong storms, which can pose significant threats to life and property. The falling fish themselves are usually not a hazard.

5. What types of fish are commonly involved in fish rain?

The types of fish involved in fish rain are typically small and lightweight, making it easier for them to be swept up by a waterspout or updraft. Species vary depending on the location of the event, but they are generally those found in shallow waters or near the surface, where they're more likely to be caught in the weather system.

6. Has fish rain ever been scientifically studied or documented?

Yes, fish rain has been scientifically studied and documented, although its rarity makes comprehensive research challenging. Meteorologists and scientists analyze these events by examining weather patterns and eyewitness accounts to understand the specific conditions that lead to animal rain. Historical records and modern-day reports provide valuable data for studying this phenomenon.

Discussion Comments

tigers88

@jonrss - It is probably not actually possible for it to rain frogs. The only reason it can rain fish is that they exist in great concentration in bodies of water. But there are few if any places where there are tens of thousands of frogs just sitting around in the same place. Sorry to burst your bubble. I have seen Magnolia and I love that scene. There is a part of me that always wished it would happen where I lived. It would be terrifying at first, but might end up seeming kind of magical.

jonrss

Has anybody seen that movie Magnolia? At the end it rains frogs over Los Angeles. One of the the themes of the movie is that the extraordinary is possible, even taken to the extreme. I wonder if it is actually possible for it to rain frogs or if this just came out of the filmmakers imagination?

Ivan83

I used to love this metal band called rain of fish. I thought it was just a clever title. Lots of metal bands will use violent of unusual images as band names to create a picture in the minds of listeners. I guess this one was based on fact. When I actually think about it, fish rain does not sound all that metal.

backdraft

I live in Missouri where we have had several huge tornado over the last few weeks. The destruction has really been terrible. I don't mean to minimize anybody's loss or all the terrible things that have happened, but I wonder if it rained fish anywhere? Maybe after things calm down I will find someone to ask.

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    • Waterspouts may lift fish up into the air and carry them for some distance before dropping them from the sky.
      By: William Berry
      Waterspouts may lift fish up into the air and carry them for some distance before dropping them from the sky.
    • A waterspout is a tornado-like vortex that occurs in or above water.
      By: gattus
      A waterspout is a tornado-like vortex that occurs in or above water.