Its scientific name is Regalecus glesne, it has a wide worldwide distribution and is very peculiar for being the longest bony fish in the world, reaching up to 17 meters in length and weighing over 250 kilos. It belongs to the order of lampriform fish, which are marine species with generally long and flattened bodies.
Their fins are usually very conspicuous, they have bodies with vertebrae and the jaws are markedly pushed out. In this ExpertAanimal file, we offer you detailed information about the characteristics and peculiarities of the giant oarfish
Origin of the Giant Oarfish
The giant oarfish belongs to one of the four species grouped in the family Regalecidae, which in turn is made up of only two genera, being Regalecus where the oarfish is located.
This type of fish belongs to the order Lampridiformes and it is estimated that emerged about 60 to 70 million years ago, at the end of the Cretaceous. This animal has a global distribution range, so we can find it in the marine areas of the different continents, with the exception of the polar regions.
Characteristics of the giant oarfish
They are characterized by being a silver color, with the presence of blue and black spotsThey have pelvic and dorsal fins, the latter along the body, which starts between the eyes and ends at the end of it, is crimson in color and can have up to 400 small rays. As for the caudal fin, they lack it or it is very reduced.
On the head of adults are always present two long red crests characteristic of the species and the abdominal vertebrae number from 45 to 56, with a total of 127 to 163 in the entire animal.
Your elongated body has a complex system of intermuscular septa, which are interconnected. Their protruding jaws have rudimentary teeth or no teeth at all. It is a shy species, not at all aggressive, so it does not represent any kind of danger to humans.
Giant Oarfish Habitat
It has a worldwide distributionl and inhabits up to 1,000 meters deepin the epipelagic and mesopelagic zones of the oceans. Given its wide range of distribution, it can be present in tropical or temperate seas, which is why it is located from New England to the Gulf of Mexico and the western Caribbean; also in the Mediterranean Sea and in the Argentine Sea.
Although the giant oarfish has a preference for deep waters, it can be seen on the coasts and at depths of 20 meters, especially after a storm or when they are old and have difficulty resisting the currents, so they get trapped in some areas.
Customs of the Giant Oarfish
Adult giant oarfish can be seen stranding on beaches out of the water with some frequency, causing them to die. Reports indicate that these strandings occur in some particular areas and at specific times.
A peculiarity of the giant oarfish is its body's capacity for autonomy, that is, self-mutilation, specifically of the caudal zone This action does not cause damage to vital organs, so they can continue to live, healing the affected part, even though they cannot regenerate the mutilated area. The capture of some specimens has shown this mutilation without any other type of injury, which could be suggesting a strategic behavior to flee from predators
Its fin system gives it the ability to swim both horizontally and vertically. It is usually a solitary species, although they can move from one habitat to another in small groups, but they do so by swimming a certain distance.
Giant Oarfish Feeding
The diet of the giant oarfish is extensive and this may be associated with its extensive distribution in different marine areas. It is a carnivorous animal and consumes other smaller fish, deep-sea shrimp, squid, and crustaceans such as krill.
It is common to be suspended in clear waters, positioning itself vertically with its head up, it is believed that it uses this position to hunt more effectively in some maritime areas. The shape of its jaws makes it easier for it to suck up the water for feeding purposes, especially for small prey, such as some crustaceans.
Giant Oarfish Reproduction
Data on the reproduction of the giant oarfish are somewhat limited. They have external fertilization, so the female releases the eggs and the male waits close to her to later release the sperm and fertilize them. Females are known to be able to spawn thousands of eggs, which they do between July and December. The size of the eggs is about 2.5 millimeters in diameter and they are red in color. Larvae are usually found on the surface of the water.
Generally, spawning occurs in the area near Florida and towards the coast of North America. Also in the Mediterranean Sea, in the South Pacific and on the west coast of South Australia.
Conservation status of the giant oarfish
There are no precise data on the current status of giant oarfish populations. However, it is not an endangered species, so it is classified as least concern.
From a commercial point of view, this fish is unattractive, because its meat is unpleasant for human consumption, therefore this aspect does not constitute a threat to the species. Given this situation, very few actions are necessary for the conservation of the giant oarfish.
The fact that a species of animal is not hunted indiscriminately for food has little to do with the fact that it may be in a state of vulnerability at some point, since currently alteration of ecosystems is a cause that can put any animal population at risk. In this sense, constant monitoring is of great importance to know the population status of biodiversity.
