Rare Oarfish Found On NZ Coast

Photo credit: New Zealand Marine Study Center

A rare oarfish was found washed ashore along the coast of New Zealand last week.

photo credit: www.freethinkernews.com

First reported by the New Zealand Marine Studies Center, news of the elusive deep dwelling fish spread quickly online. Oarfish are described as deep ocean drifters, observed floating in the vertical position. They can grow to over 25 feet long.

The oarfish that washed ashore measured just over nine feet long.

According to the Marine Study Center’s blog, oarfish sometimes wash ashore following storms or earthquakes, which has given them a reputation of being omens of bad news.

Little is known about this species of fish. An examination of this one showed its stomach was full of krill – the most likely diet at the depths these fish are known to inhabit.

The fish’s unusual shape has led some to believe that sightings on the oceans surface are the origins of sea monster myths.

We don’t believe that. But the ocean continues to amaze us with its diversity of life and its well-hidden surprises.

1997 training photo of US Navy SEALs with an oarfish recovered on the California coast. via: www.nmfs.noaa.gov