Oarfish

Rare card · No. 37073

Oarfish are the three species of large and extremely long pelagic lampriform fish belonging to the small family Regalecidae. Found in areas spanning from temperate ocean zones to tropical ones, yet rarely seen by humans, the oarfish family contains three species in two genera: Regalecus glesne (giant oarfish), Regalecus russelii (Russell's oarfish), and Agrostichthys parkeri (streamer fish). The giant oarfish is the longest bony fish alive, growing up to about 8 m (26 ft) in length. The common name oarfish is thought to allude 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. The family name Regalecidae is derived from the Latin regalis, meaning "royal". Although the larger species are considered game fish and are fished commercially on a small scale, oarfish are rarely caught alive; their flesh is not well regarded for eating due to its gelatinous consistency. Their rarity and...

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