Crested Oarfish
Lophotus lacepede
- Group: Other
- Typical depth: 0–92 m
- Max size: 2 m
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
A long ribbon bodied fish of the open ocean midwater, the crested oarfish carries a tall crest rising from its head. When alarmed it can squirt black ink from a sac near the vent, an unusual trick for a fish. It hunts anchovies and squid, grows to about two metres, and occasionally washes up stranded in the shallows.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Lampriformes › Lophotidae › Lophotus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 126523.
FAQ
- How deep does the Crested Oarfish live?
- The Crested Oarfish (Lophotus lacepede) is typically found at 0–92 m.
- Is the Crested Oarfish dangerous to divers?
- The Crested Oarfish is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Crested Oarfish get?
- The Crested Oarfish grows to about 2 m.