Oarfish

Interesting Info

• Oarfish, also known as the “King of herrings” can be found in various locations around Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef, the Coral Sea, and offshore waters along the eastern, southern, and west coasts. This includes Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.
• Oarfish are characterised by their distinct appearance. They have long, slender bodies that can reach lengths of a few metres, making them one of the longest bony fish species in the world. They have a silver-coloured body with a row of reddish-brown dorsal fin rays along their back.
• These fish possess a prominent, sail-like dorsal fin that runs the entire length of their body. The fin can be raised or lowered to help with manoeuvring through the water.
• Oarfish feed on a diet consisting mainly of small fish, squid, and plankton. They have a long, tubular mouth with small teeth that enable them to capture and consume their prey.
• These fish are primarily solitary and tend to swim alone or in small groups. They are not known to form large schools or exhibit strong social behaviours.
• They have been a subject of various legends and folklore due to its rare appearances near the water’s surface. In some cultures, it is considered a harbinger of earthquakes or storms.
• Oarfish have been observed to exhibit bioluminescent behaviour. Certain species of Oarfish can produce light through specialised organs called photophores, which may serve various purposes, including communication and camouflage.
• They possess a unique adaptation known as lateral line organs. These sensory structures allow them to detect vibrations and changes in water pressure, helping them navigate and locate prey in their dark, deep-sea environment.
• Breeding habits of the Oarfish are not well-documented, but they are believed to be pelagic spawners. The exact timing and location of their breeding season in Australian waters are not widely known.
• They have been known to live up to 25 years with a average lifespan of 10.