: a marine bony fish (Regalecus glesne) of subtropical waters with a narrow soft body from 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) long, a red dorsal fin running the entire length of the body, and red-tipped anterior rays rising above the head
Examples of oarfish in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Research published in 2018 shows a correlation between oarfish strandings and El Niño years.
—
David Bressan, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
The oarfish's eerie, serpentine appearance and deep-sea origins have cemented its reputation as a creature of mystery and superstition.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025
It’s believed the oarfish were sent from the palace toward the surface to warn people of earthquakes.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
Since 1901, only 21 oarfish have been documented washing up on California shores.
—Hannah Peart, NBC News, 17 Nov. 2024
The roughly 10-foot oarfish was discovered on Nov. 6.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024
In August, a group spotted a 12-foot, dead oarfish while snorkeling in La Jolla, California.
—Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024
Two dead oarfish have washed ashore in Southern California waters in the last few months.
—Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 13 Nov. 2024
Advertisement Still, the oarfish, which can reach up to 30 feet long, continues to draw much interest.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2024
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David Bressan, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
The oarfish's eerie, serpentine appearance and deep-sea origins have cemented its reputation as a creature of mystery and superstition.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025
It’s believed the oarfish were sent from the palace toward the surface to warn people of earthquakes.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
Since 1901, only 21 oarfish have been documented washing up on California shores.
—Hannah Peart, NBC News, 17 Nov. 2024
The roughly 10-foot oarfish was discovered on Nov. 6.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024
In August, a group spotted a 12-foot, dead oarfish while snorkeling in La Jolla, California.
—Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024
Two dead oarfish have washed ashore in Southern California waters in the last few months.
—Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 13 Nov. 2024
Advertisement Still, the oarfish, which can reach up to 30 feet long, continues to draw much interest.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Oarfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oarfish. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.
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