Fisherman Lands Fish That Looks Like A Dragon

December 17, 2006

Release from: The Star Online (Malaysia)

IPOH: A fish resembling a “dragon” has attracted both curiosity and concern from the fishing community at Pantai Remis, about 70km from here.

The 2.1m-long fish has such a strong resemblance to the mythical creature that the fisherman who hauled it up on Friday was reluctant to identify himself for fear of it bringing bad catches.

“In all my years of fishing, I have never seen such a thing before,” he said, adding that it was found in one of his nets.

“I will send it to a taxidermist so that it can be preserved.”

The fish, which has red dorsal fins and a long, silvery body, is thought to be an oarfish (scientific name Regalecus russellii).

The rare oarfish is reputed to be the longest of bony fishes in the world.