CLIVE: ONE of the ocean’s more unusual fish – a vertical swimming, self-amputating “sea monster” has washed ashore on New Zealand’s South Island.
THE oarfish, about three metres long, was found at Aramoana, near Dunedin, on Thursday.
It was one of the most unusual fish the Department of Conservation’s David Agnew had ever seen.
He was nearby when the fish was reported washed up.It would have weighed between 30 and 50kg and was in good condition and fresh.”It’s a solid slab of a fish,” he told AAP.The fish may be preserved for research.
The University of Otago’s New Zealand Marine Studies Centre and Aquarium says oarfish can reach lengths of up to eight metres.
“Described as long-distance ocean drifters, they are usually found hanging in a vertical position in the upper 300 metres of the water column,” it posted on its Facebook page.
“Specimens larger than 1.5 metres are known to shorten their length by biting off their tail. Healthy oarfish are known to wash up on beaches and are sometimes found near the water surface.”
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