The dorsal fin originates from above the (relatively large) eyes and runs the entire length of the fish. Their rarity and large size, along with occasional beachings of oarfish after storms, and their habit of lingering at the surface when sick or dying, make oarfish a probable source of many sea serpent tales.Īlthough 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. The family name Regalecidae is derived from the Latin regalis, meaning "royal". The common name oarfish is thought to be in reference either to their highly compressed and elongated bodies, or to the now discredited belief that the fish "row" themselves through the water with their pelvic fins. One of these, the giant oarfish ( Regalecus glesne), is the longest bony fish alive, growing up to 11 m (36 ft) in length. Found in areas spanning from temperate ocean zones to tropical ones, yet rarely seen, the oarfish family contains three species in two genera. Oarfish are large, greatly elongated, pelagic lampriform fish belonging to the small family Regalecidae.
United States Navy SEALS holding a 23-foot (7.0 m) giant oarfish, found washed up on the shore near San Diego, California, in September 1996
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