Giant Oarfish (Regalecus glesne)

Species > Oarfish

Described by many legends as a "sea serpent" or "sea monster", the harmless
oarfish is the longest fish in the ocean with a huge, bony, ribbon shaped body.

Not often encountered in the wild, this deep sea dwelling creature can weigh 600 pounds and grow to 30 feet long the long, This strange species is found worldwide in tropical and temperate waters at depths from the surface to 3,000 feet. Not much is known about their habits and life cycles, but they probably only come to the surface when injured or dying. This toothless fish feeds on very small fish, shrimp, and other invertebrates that they filter through their mouths. The red fin running along its back makes the body look like a boat oar. The big red crest on top of its head and its long paddle-shaped fins below the head make the oarfish look like a long flag swimming through the water.

Image of a preserved oarfish on display in the Tin Ho Temple

Educational Video on the Oarfish

 

Video of giant oarfish swimming at 1500 feet in the Gulf of Mexico

 

Video of Oarfish Swimming on the Beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico