The discovery of a giant paddlefish by locals in the waters of Indonesia has left many in awe of the magnificent creature. The fish, which measured over 2 meters in length and weighed over 100 kilograms, was found by a group of fishermen who were out at sea.
The paddlefish is a rare and elusive species, known for its long, paddle-shaped snout that it uses to detect prey in the murky waters. It is a bottom-dwelling fish that is found in deep freshwater and saltwater environments. The discovery of such a large specimen in the sea of Indonesia has left marine biologists and enthusiasts excited about the possibility of studying the species further.
Oarfish are of interest to scientists because they live in a largely unknown ecosystem of the oceanic mesopelagic zone, the part of the ocean that is about 660 to 3,280 feet (200 to 1,000 meters) below the surface.
This species lives at a depth of 1,000m above sea level. The dragon pit fish is the oldest known vertebrate fish and also the longest bony fish in the world. Its shape is ribbon-like, narrow in width, with a dorsal fin along its entire length, a stout pectoral fin, and a long paddle-shaped pelvic fin.
According to traditional Japanese belief, a large number of paddlefish is a harbinger of an impending earthquake. Talking about this fish constantly appearing on the coast of Quang Binh, experts rule out the possibility that the dead dragon pit fish predicts an impending earthquake and thinks that this may be a consequence of climate change.
Paddlefish can grow up to 17m long and weigh up to 270kg. Body thin, with red fins. The color of the fish is usually silver with black markings and red fins. Paddle fish have no teeth and the special thing is that they catch prey with gills. Its favorite food is mollusks or small crustaceans such as small fish or squid.
The silver-bodied paddlefish is sometimes called the “herring king” because of its similar appearance to this small fish. However, they are named paddlefish because of their long paddle-like pectoral fins.
Paddlefish are not dangerous to humans. They mainly feed on small plankton species. Even this fish only has thinner structures, called comb gills, to catch small prey.
Experts reason that the pressure in the rock layers can create a static charge when an earthquake occurs, causing the charged ions in the water to be released. This may be why before earthquakes it is common to see paddlefish run aground and washed ashore.
However, this fish has the ability to predict earthquakes or not, science has not yet proven. People have tried them and said “their meat is very mushy and sticky”, information reflected on a NOAA website.
Oarfish’s favorite foods are mollusks or small crustaceans such as small fish or squid. Although they have adapted to survive under high pressure, the Oarfish’s skin is very soft and vulnerable. The huge size and special appearance of the “sea dragon” make many people curious.
