oarfish

The oarfish are a family, Regalecidae, of deeply flattened, ribbon-like fish comprising three species in two genera. The oarfish genus, Regalecus, contains two species, Regalecus glesne and Regalecus russelii. The family name and the common name are derived from the Latin word "regalis," meaning royal, and Greek "lithos," meaning stone, referring to the elongated body and the distinctive crests that adorn the heads of some species.

Oarfish are rarely seen because they inhabit the deep ocean, typically living at depths of 200 to 1,000 meters (660 to 3,300 feet). They are the longest bony fish in the world, with the longest specimen ever recorded measuring 17 meters (56 feet). Their bodies are covered in a gelatinous, scaleless skin that is a silvery color with pink or red fins. Their dorsal fin runs the entire length of their body and is often the most prominent feature.

The diet of oarfish consists mainly of small crustaceans, squid, and other small fish. They are believed to be solitary creatures and are not thought to be aggressive. Due to their deep-sea habitat, little is known about their reproductive habits or lifespan.

Oarfish are sometimes called "sea serpents" or "king of the herring" due to their size and appearance. Sightings of oarfish are rare and often occur when they are sick, injured, or dead and washed ashore. Their elusive nature and impressive size have led to them being a subject of folklore and myth in various coastal cultures. Despite their imposing size, they are considered harmless to humans.