The King Of Herrings, scientifically known as Regalecus glesne, is a fascinating and elusive deep-sea fish renowned for its unique appearance. This elongated, ribbon-like creature is often referred to as the “oarfish” due to its resemblance to an oar. Its presence in the deep ocean has led to its status as a creature of legend, with many cultures associating it with sea serpents or other mythical beings.
Description & Characteristics
The Regalecus glesne is easily distinguished by its striking appearance. It possesses an exceptionally long, compressed body, with a dorsal fin extending the length of its back, reaching a maximum size of an astounding 800.0 cm. The dorsal fin features an elongated filament that extends beyond the body, giving it a flowing appearance. The mouth is small and pointed, with teeth that are adapted for catching small prey. Its body is covered in silvery scales, sometimes with iridescent hues, making it difficult to spot against the deep-sea backdrop.
Habitat and Occurrence
The King Of Herrings is a deep-sea dweller, typically found at depths ranging from 20.0 to 1000.0 meters. This places Regalecus glesne within the bathypelagic zone, a challenging environment characterized by constant darkness, high pressure, and cold temperatures. The distribution of Regalecus glesne spans temperate and tropical waters across the globe. It is most commonly encountered in the North Atlantic, North Pacific, and Mediterranean Sea, often appearing in coastal regions.
Taxonomy
The species Regalecus glesne is classified within the Class: Teleostei, which encompasses most of the bony fish. It belongs to the Order: Lampriformes, an order of primarily deep-sea fish known for their elongated, ribbon-like bodies. The King Of Herrings is a member of the Family: Regalecidae, a family containing only three species, including Regalecus glesne, which further underscores its unique and distinct characteristics.
Feeding
The King Of Herrings is a carnivorous species, with a diet composed of various small marine organisms. Its feeding habits involve consuming crustaceans, hydrozoa polyps, invertebrates, jellyfish, krill, and zooplankton. The Regalecus glesne relies on its elongated body and small mouth to efficiently capture and consume its prey within the depths of the ocean.
Image References