The Deep-Sea Oarfish is the longesᴛ Ƅony fish in the world

Oarfish are massive, elongated pelagic lampriform fish from the Regalecidae family.

The oarfish family contains three species in two genera and is found in areas ranging

from temperate to tropical ocean zones. The giant oarfish (Regalecus glesne) is the

world’s longest bony fish, reaching 11 meters (36 feet) in length.

Becaυse of this shy пaᴛυre, iᴛ was oпce thoυghᴛ ᴛo Ƅe a rare species.

The name oarfish is thought to refer to either the fish’s highly compressed and elongated bodies

or the now-debunked belief that the fish “row” through the water with their pelvic fins. The family

name Regalecidae is derived from the Latin regalis, meaning “royal”. Oarfish beachings after

storms, as well as their habit of lingering at the surface when sick or dying, make oarfish a

likely source of many sea serpent tales.

Although the larger species are considered game fish and are fished commercially to a minor extent,

oarfish are rarely caught alive; their flesh is not well regarded for eating due to its gelatinous consistency.

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