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Deep-sea oarfish dubbed “world-ending fish” washes ashore on Tasmania’s west coast

CSIRO has begun analyzing the intact specimen to shed light on the elusive species’ biology.

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Overview

  • The deep-sea oarfish can reach lengths of up to eight meters and inhabits depths between 150 and 1000 meters.
  • The specimen washed ashore at Ocean Beach near Strahan after being discovered by Sybil Robertson during a walk with her dog.
  • Citizen Scientists of Tasmania identified the fish as an oarfish from photos posted in their Facebook group.
  • CSIRO researchers collected samples from the intact carcass in coordination with local authorities to preserve it for study.
  • Despite Japanese folklore that links oarfish strandings to impending disasters, experts say there is no scientific evidence supporting such claims.