The Oarfish is thought to be the world's longest bony fish, a group that includes almost all fish except sharks and rays (whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean). These fish can reach a length of over 50 feet (15 meters) and weigh as much as 6oo pounds (272 kilograms).The silvery fish are sometimes called the “king of herrings” because of their superficial resemblance to the smaller fish, but they are named oarfish because of their long pectoral fins, which resemble oars.
Now, some are claiming that oarfish washing ashore is a sign that an earthquake will soon follow. Known scientifically as Regalecus glesne, it is a member of Regalecidae family of fishes. The name Regalecidae is derived from the Latin word regalis, meaning “royal”.
The giant Oarfish was delineated in 1772. As this fish remain in a considerable depth, people do not know about this fish. This giant fish dwells in a depth of 3300 feet (1000 meters). Due to the long pectoral fins, resemblance to Oars, this giant fish is called the Oarfish. In Comparing to their body form some people call them ribbon fish.
People have no idea about the taste of Oarfish because Oarfish does not normally.
Many historic tales are available regarding the life of Oarfish. In myths Oarfish has been designed as the sea monster or sea serpent but they are hardly dangerous to the people. The giant Oarfish eats planktons. Moreover this giant creature has no real teeth. In few occasion they have been seen in the coast. But the scientists believe that they come in the coast due to the strong current and storms.
Though it is a bony fish, oarfish lacks scales in their body. Upper skin of Oarfish is soft and can easily be damaged.
But to the Japanese the Oarfish have immense impact. They believe that the coming of Oarfish out to the coast is a ‘message from the palace of sea God’. Some believe that the coming of Oarfish is the implication of upcoming Earthquake.
Kiyoshi Wadatsumi, a scientist of e-PISCO remarked:
"Deep-sea fish living near the sea bottom are more sensitive to the movements of active faults than those near the surface of the sea.”
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