Rare 'doomsday fish' discovered on Tasmania's wild coast
As reported by the British newspaper "The Guardian", on the wild and rugged coast of Australia, a rare specimen of the oarfish, commonly known as the "doomsday fish", has been found. This unique find has sparked great interest among scientists and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
Key information
- A rarely seen oarfish, known as the "doomsday fish", was found on the coast of Tasmania in Australia.
- The fish can reach a length of up to 8 metres and lives at depths of up to 500 metres.
- The discovery was made by Sybil Robertson during a walk on Ocean Beach.
An incredible discovery on the beach
On the wild coast of Tasmania, near the town of Strahan, Sybil Robertson stumbled upon an extraordinary find. As reported by "The Guardian", during a walk on Ocean Beach, she noticed a long, silvery fish, which turned out to be the rarely seen oarfish. It is one of the longest marine creatures, capable of reaching even 8 metres in length.
The oarfish, also known as the "king of herrings" or "doomsday fish", lives at depths from 150 to 500 metres. It is an epipelagic species, which means it resides in open ocean waters. Due to their habitat, these fish are rarely seen by people.
Fascinating creature from the depths
Robertson's discovery attracted the attention of scientists, including Prof. Neville Barrett from the University of Tasmania. Barrett, in conversation with "The Guardian", emphasises that oarfish are "phenomenally large fish" that can weigh over 400 kilograms. They are lethargic creatures that float in the water, feeding on plankton.
Marine biologist Jorja Gilmore had the opportunity to see an oarfish firsthand in 2022 during a trip to the Great Barrier Reef. - It was so bizarre, like something from the deep sea - recalls Gilmore. This encounter was the first recorded case on the eastern coast of Australia.
Robertson feels lucky to have seen the oarfish in such good condition. A few hours later, birds began tearing at the fish's body. - It’s just so interesting what you can find if you just keep your eyes open whilst you’re looking around. It’s just amazing - says Robertson in a conversation with "The Guardian".
