Giant Oarfish Measuring 4.5 Meters Found Stranded on the Beach
Local residents discovered a 4.5-meter long oarfish washed ashore in Hinundayan, Southern Leyte. Despite being injured, the fish was still alive when found.
Arnel Resma Casido, a resident near the beach, reported hearing his neighbors shouting about a giant fish close to the shore, prompting him to investigate.
Witnesses called local officials for assistance in rescuing the fish, but unfortunately, it died after being transported to a marine conservation center.
Giant oarfish measuring 4.5 meters.
Oarfish are believed to inhabit depths of around 1,000 meters below sea level. According to scientists, the oarfish is the longest bony fish species in the world, capable of reaching lengths of up to 17 meters and weighing as much as 270 kilograms.
Oarfish have a silvery body and are sometimes referred to as the “king of herring” due to their superficial resemblance to smaller fish of that species. However, they are named oarfish because of their long pectoral fins, which resemble oars.
Oarfish primarily feed on small plankton and possess a small mouth that serves their digestive system.
Although oarfish are occasionally seen on the ocean’s surface, scientists suggest that this occurrence is due to their being pushed by storm surges or strong currents washing them ashore, or it could be a result of accidents that lead to their death. Despite their frightening appearance, oarfish have never been considered a threat to humans.
