One local dog walker subsequently made a spectacular, record-breaking discovery on Tasmania’s Ocean Beach. What they found was something you rarely see in the ocean, an oarfish! This exceptionally rare sighting only deepens the mystery surrounding these elusive fish, characterized by their striking appearance and deep-sea habitat.
The giant oarfish, which was around 6.5 feet/2 meters long, had been washed up on the beach and discovered by property owner Sybil Robertson. While it did show signs of injury, the plant seemed to be in fairly decent health. Oarfish are impressive creatures, known for their long, snake-like, silver bodies and growing up to 8 meters long. These unique animals exclusively feed and live in the deep, dark pelagic realm. Specifically, they’re found at depths of 150 meters to 1 kilometer below the surface.
Characteristics and Habitat
Oarfish might be some of the strangest creatures on the planet, with their long bodies made of gelatinous material. Since they mostly graze on crustaceans, they leave their unique mark on the complex web that is the ocean’s food chain. Australia is home to both species of oarfish. Of another species, the most widespread participant, there are hundreds of records from down south. The tropical variant has only been seen a few dozen times ever.
Dr Barrett, a marine biologist at James Cook University, said discoveries like these were extremely unusual. He stated, “It’s very much a fortuitous, lucky thing really,” referencing the uncommon nature of oarfish washing ashore. A large factor is that they’re often found in deeper waters, where they have the luxury of living without disturbance for several decades.
Oarfish swim through history in a shimmering undersea world! It usually takes them 20–30 years to reach their full length of 8 m (24 ft). We know that deep-water species tend to have extraordinary longevity. Take the orange roughy, which can live to the ripe old age of 120!
The Myth and Reality
The discovery of oarfish often sparks myths and theories about their appearances, including the belief that they wash ashore before significant earthquakes. Dr. Barrett commented on this notion, saying, “The old myth is that they wash up months or years ahead of a major event — I don’t think I’d put much credence to that theory.”
Some believe that there’s a connection between oarfish appearances and upcoming earthquakes, but scientists have their doubts. The reality is, as Dr. Barrett explained, these events are often by chance. “It’s just a random event, there’s no real evidence there’s any linkage,” he remarked.
Mr. Pogonoski mentioned how such discoveries contribute to local lore: “When you see an animal like that, people come up with all sorts of fables.” This feeling will sound familiar to anyone who has wandered the shores of Australia’s diverse coasts and come across strange marine life.
Local Impact and Observations
Residents of the coastal city, along with amateur marine enthusiasts, were enthralled by the oarfish sighting. Ms. Robertson expressed her astonishment at finding such a creature on the beach, stating, “There’s all sorts of things that get washed up on there that you don’t often see.” This meeting, more than any encounter above, serves as a reminder of the long history shared between humanity and the ocean’s wonders.
According to fishermen’s accounts, oarfish typically swim to the surface when they are sick. If so, this behavior could help shed light on why this individual fish washed up on the beach. Dr. Barrett noted this behavior, saying, “Occasionally when they are sick, apparently, they swim up to the surface for unknown reasons.” Such behavior makes us wonder about their health and the world they live in.
Maybe as more people get to know this fascinating marine animal, they’ll want to see them protected for the important role they play in our ecosystem. Oarfish serve as indicators of ocean health, and understanding their behavior contributes to broader marine research efforts.
