At least one account, from researchers in New Zealand, described the oarfish as giving off 'electric shocks' when touched. The anal fin is completely absent and the caudal fin may be reduced or absent, as well, with the body tapering to a fine point. The pectoral fins are greatly reduced and situated low on the body. The pelvic fins are similarly elongated and adorned, reduced to one to five rays each. Of the approximately 400 dorsal fin rays, the first 10 to 13 are elongated to varying degrees, forming a trailing crest embellished with reddish spots and flaps of skin at the ray tips. 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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