Oarfish Collection

Museum scientists holding Oarfish specimen
Regalecus glesne. From left to right: Graham Pellow, Colin McCarthy, Prof. Philip Rainbow, Dr. Roger Lincoln, Ollie Crimmen and Sir Neil Chalmers

Ribbon Fish (colour litho)
998704 Ribbon Fish (colour litho) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Bilder-Atlas zur wissenschaftlich-populAaren Naturgeschichte der Fische in ihren sAammtlichen)

Herring, oarfish and drift-net fishing
Herring, Clupea harengus 132, oarfish, Regalecus species 133, and North Sea fishermen using drift nets to catch herring from boats

Crested oarfish and oarfish
Crested oarfish, Lophotus lacepedei (Lophotes copedianus) and oarfish, Regalecus glesne (Gymnetrus gladius). Handcoloured lithograph from Carl Hoffmanns Book of the World, Stuttgart, 1848

Prince of Herrings
Alexander Semenov

Oarfish (Regalecus glesne) swimming in undulating motion, side view

Regalecus Banskii, or Bankss Oarfish, a long, flat fish. Date: 1863

Jack-knifefish, oarfish, and rock beauty angelfish.. Jack-knifefish, Equetus lanceolatus 1, oarfish, Regalecus glesne 2, and rock beauty angelfish, Holacanthus tricolor 3

Mythical water creature, 16th century
Mythical water creature. 16th-century artwork of a mythical aloes water creature described in a chapter on the Caribbean. Examples of creatures that generated reports of monstrous creatures are

Regalecus glesne, oarfish
Specimen of an oarfish (Realecus glesne). This species of fish is possibly the longest in the world. Photographed by Harry Taylor

Sea serpent, 16th century artwork
Sea serpent. 16th century artwork of a sea serpent seizing a sailor from a ship. Accounts of sea serpents may have been based on exaggerated observations of large marine creatures such as oarfish or

Oarfish at the Cosmorama, London, 1849
Engraving showing an Oarfish, or Regalecus Glesne, which was on display at the Cosmorama, Regent Street, London, in 1849

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The mesmerizing oarfish, also known as Regalecus glesne, is a true marvel of the deep sea. With its long ribbon-like body and shimmering silver color, it captivates all who lay eyes upon it. A striking feature of this magnificent creature is its deep red dorsal fin that runs the entire length of its body, adding a vibrant touch to its already enchanting appearance. As if that wasn't enough to make it stand out, the oarfish boasts long rays forming a crest over its head, resembling an elegant crown fit for royalty. It's no wonder why it has earned nicknames such as "Prince of Herrings" and "Jack-knifefish. " Its regal presence in the ocean is truly unparalleled. Throughout history, the oarfish has sparked fascination and even inspired mythical tales. 16th-century artwork depicts this majestic creature as a sea serpent or mythical water creature. Its elongated form and undulating motion in the water only add to these fantastical depictions. In modern times, museum scientists have had the privilege of studying and holding specimens of this extraordinary fish. Their efforts contribute to our understanding of marine life and help unravel some mysteries surrounding this elusive species. Sadly though, like many other creatures inhabiting our oceans today, the oarfish faces threats from activities such as drift-net fishing. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these remarkable beings so they can continue to grace us with their presence beneath the waves. The oarfish serves as a reminder that there is still so much we have yet to discover about our vast oceans. Its beauty and allure remind us of nature's infinite wonders waiting to be explored by curious minds willing to dive into uncharted depths.