VietNamNet Bridge – A giant oarfish 4m long on May was found on the beach of Trung Trach commune in Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province, in central Vietnam.

A local man, Le Minh Hai, 38 said the fish was still alive when it was discovered. “We tried to take it back to the sea but the fish died," he said.

Local authorities examined the fish and said that it was 4.1 m long, weighing 40 kg.

According to fishermen, this species is very sacred and they call them “Mr”.

Locals buried the fish according to local custom.

The giant oarfish (Regalecus glesne), also called the king of herrings, is a species of oarfish of the family Regalecidae. It is an oceanodromous species with a worldwide distribution, excluding polar regions.

R. glesne is the world's longest bony fish. Its shape is ribbon-like, narrow laterally, with a dorsal fin along its entire length, stubby pectoral fins, and long, oar-shaped pelvic fins, from which its common name is derived.

Its coloration is silvery with dark markings, and its fins are red. Its physical characteristics and its undulating mode of swimming have led to speculation that it might be the source of many "sea serpent" sightings.

Thu Minh