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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the longest bony fish?

An Oarfish washed up on a beach at Gisbourne, New Zealand

The Oarfish Regalecus glesne, is reported to be the longest bony fish. It has a ribbon-like body that has been reliably documented to grow to 8m in length, however specimens up to 17m in length have been reported.

It is a metallic silver in colour, with blotches and wavy markings on the body, and pink or red fins. It has a concave head profile, a highly protrusible mouth (a characteristic of the order Lampridiformes), a dorsal fin that runs the entire length of the body, but it lacks an anal fin. The Oarfish has tiny spines projecting laterally off each caudal and pelvic fin ray. More information on the Oarfish.

More information on the Oarfish.