RM50,000 Offer For Fish Snubbed

December 18, 2006

Release from: The Star Online (Malaysia)

The fisherman who caught a strange fish resembling a “dragon” on Friday has received a RM50,000 offer to part with the dead creature.

But he had thrown the carcass back into the sea near his fishing village at Pantai Remis, about 70km from here, on Saturday.

“I don’t want the money,” said the fisherman, who declined to give his name.

The 2.1m-long fish, which sported red dorsal fins and a long, silvery body, had such a strong resemblance to the mythical dragon that the fisherman feared keeping it.

The fish is thought to be an oarfish (scientific name Regalecus russellii), reputed to be the longest of bony fishes in the world.

Pantai Remis assemblyman Nga Kor Ming said that according to local superstition, the fish was a “family member” of the Sea Dragon King.

“If you kidnap the (Sea Dragon King’s) son, you are looking for trouble,” he said.