The giant oarfish is a spectacular, ribbon-shaped fish of the deep ocean. Rarely seen alive, it remains one of the most mysterious fish in the sea.
Interesting facts
- It has a long, silvery, ribbon-like body and a bright red fin along its back.
- It swims by rippling its dorsal fin, often holding its body vertically.
- In Japan, oarfish washing ashore were traditionally seen as warnings of earthquakes, but studies have found no link.
- It was first filmed alive in its natural habitat by research submersibles in the 2000s.
- It has no scales, and its skin is covered in a silvery coating.
- Most sightings are of dead or dying oarfish washed ashore.
Behaviour
Oarfish drift slowly in deep water, feeding on plankton and small animals. Almost nothing is known about their behaviour.
Breeding and young
Oarfish release eggs that float near the surface until they hatch.
Threats and conservation
No major threats are known.
Where to see it
- Almost never seen alive
- Occasional strandings in California, Japan and Norway
- Museum specimens
- Footage from deep-sea research submersibles
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
