An oarfish was found on a beach in Baja California Sur, Mexico, on February 9, surprising beachgoers. This rare deep-sea fish typically resides at depths ranging from 650 to over 2,400 feet and is not commonly seen in shallow waters unless injured or dying.
- Oarfish found on beach in Mexico
- Typically live in deep ocean waters
- Beachgoers surprised by unusual sighting
- Oarfish experience psychological stress in shallow water
- Oarfish can grow up to 36 feet
- Robins emphasizes observing stranded oarfish
The oarfish, known for its long, silvery body and reddish-orange dorsal fin rays, is an elusive creature that rarely ventures into shallow waters. In the video captured by Robert Hayes, the fish was seen flopping around in the surf before becoming stranded on the beach. Robert Robins, a collection manager at the Florida Museum of Natural History, noted that oarfish can grow up to 36 feet long, although the one observed appeared to be smaller.
When oarfish are found in shallow waters, it often signifies they are under stress, which can lead to their demise. Robins emphasized that these fish have small mouths and lack visible teeth, with their silvery appearance resulting from guanine rather than scales. Beachgoers attempted to help the fish return to deeper waters, but it struggled to swim away, indicating its condition was critical.
In later footage, the oarfish attempted to swim but repeatedly returned to the shore. The man who helped the fish expressed his intention to consult a marine biologist, hoping to address any injuries. While oarfish do not pose a direct threat to humans, experts advise observing them from a distance, as they are still relatively unknown to science.
This incident highlights the rarity of oarfish sightings and the challenges they face when found in shallow waters. As scientists continue to study these fascinating creatures, each encounter offers valuable insights into their biology and ecological role.
