Crews inspecting flak damage to a B-17G Fortress at RAF Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire, England, after a mission to Munich, Germany, on July 6, 1944.
The giant oarfish (Regalecus glesne), also known as the "king of herrings," is the longest bony fish in the world, reaching lengths of up to 36 feet (11 meters). It is a deep-sea species found in oceans worldwide, typically at depths of 650 to 3,000 feet (200 to 1,000 meters). Recognizable by its long, ribbon-like silver body and red, crest-like dorsal fin that runs the length of its back, the oarfish has inspired numerous myths about sea serpents.
Despite its size, the giant oarfish is a harmless filter feeder, consuming plankton, krill, and small crustaceans. Rarely seen alive, oarfish are most commonly encountered when they wash up on shores or are observed near the surface due to illness or disorientation. Their elusive nature and unusual appearance have made them a subject of fascination, often linked to folklore and omens of earthquakes in some cultures. However, there is no scientific evidence connecting oarfish sightings to seismic activity.
