This video shows an Oarfish (Regalecus glesne) filmed by an ROV in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
The ROV, operated by Mako Technologies, was conducting surveys of the sea floor and water column when the fish came into view.
This amazing video — almost 10 minutes in length — is thought to be the first deep sea footage of a live Oarfish. It was apparently filmed in 2011, but has only recently made it onto YouTube.
Oarfish are rarely ever seen unless they are dying. Their slender shape, bizarre red finnage and 'crest', together with their undulating way of swimming spawned myths of sea serpents and sea monsters among ancient mariners.
Unconfirmed specimens of 17m/56' in length have been reported.
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