The oarfish, with its mysterious appearance and rarity, is known by a variety of names around the world. In this article, we have compiled a list of the common names used in countries such as the United States, Spain, France, Germany, Russia, China, Korea, etc., along with their katakana representations. We also explain the cultural legends and folklore behind these names, inviting you to rediscover the allure of the deep-sea oarfish.
What is the Oarfish?
The oarfish (also known as “Dragon Palace Messenger,” scientific name: *Regalecus russellii*) is a deep-sea fish belonging to the order Lampriformes and family Regalecidae. Once thought to be the sole species within its genus, recent research recognizes two valid species. Its entire body is silvery white, accented by alternating pale gray or light blue stripes along the flanks, while its dorsal, pectoral, and ventral fins display a vivid red hue. These distinctive features have inspired numerous legends and folklore, leading to its evocative Japanese name. Typically measuring around 3 meters in length, some specimens have been reported to reach up to 8 meters, making the oarfish one of the longest known extant bony fishes. Its body is laterally compressed, with a high head and a tapering, elongated tail, giving it a uniquely flattened and streamlined appearance. The oarfish inhabits the deep, open waters of the Pacific Ocean, drifting in mid-water layers far from the sea floor and living a solitary existence. It is usually observed in a nearly vertical posture while resting, and when in motion, it tilts forward and undulates its long dorsal fin in a wave-like manner. Notably, the oarfish may even self-amputate parts of its body when attacked as a defensive response. Because of its rarity and striking appearance, the oarfish has long captured the imagination worldwide. In Western cultures, its mysterious form contributed to sea serpent legends—sometimes even being dubbed the “King of Herrings,” a portent predicting the success or failure of fishing ventures. In China and Taiwan, it is revered under names such as “Chicken-Crested Knife Fish” or “Imperial Belt Fish,” while in Japan, classical texts depict mermaid-like beings that many scholars now believe were inspired by the oarfish’s silver body and vivid red fins. The infrequent sightings of this elusive creature have fueled an array of myths and mysteries. In some regions, the oarfish is even linked to omens of earthquakes and tsunamis, although scientific studies have dismissed these correlations. Nonetheless, the enduring enigma and cultural lore surrounding the oarfish continue to captivate researchers and the public alike.
Global Names for the Oarfish
English
- Oarfish (Oarfish)
- Giant oarfish (Giant oarfish)
Spanish
- Pez remo (Pez remo)
- Pez remo gigante (Regalecus glesne) (Pez remo gigante)
French
- Poisson-rame (Poisson-rame)
- Régalec, roi des harengs, ruban de mer ou poisson-rubana (Regalecus glesne) (Régalec, roi des harengs, ruban de mer, or poisson-rubana)
German
- Riemenfisch (Riemenfisch)
Italian
- Pesce remo (Pesce remo)
Portuguese
- Peixe remo (Peixe remo)
- Regaleco (Regaleco)
- Regalecus glesne, conhecido popularmente como peixe-remo, regaleco, relangueiro ou rei-dos-arenques (Regalecus glesne / Peixe remo, Regaleco, relangueiro, or rei-dos-arenques)
Russian
- Рыба-весло (Ryba-veslo)
- Рэмень-рыба (селядцовы кароль, рэмнецел) (Remen’-ryba [selyadtsovy karol, remnecél])
- Рэмень-рыба (селядцовы кароль, рэмнэцэл) (Remen’-ryba [selyadtsovy karol, remnecél])
- Сельдяно́й коро́ль (Seldyánoy koról’)
- Сельдяной король (Seldyanoy koról’)
Chinese (Mandarin/Hong Kong)
- 龙宫使者 (Lónggōng shǐzhě)
- 皇帶魚 / 龍宮使者 / 鯡魚王 / 海魔王 / 地震魚 / 白魚龍 (Huángdàiyú / Lónggōng shǐzhě / Fěiyúwáng / Hǎimáwáng / Dìzhènyú / Báiyúlóng) ※ Multiple names exist
Korean
- 용궁어 (Yonggung-eo)
- 리본이악어 (Ribon-iag-eo)
Arabic
- سمك المجداف (Samak al-Majdadāf)
Hindi
- नाव मछली (Naav machhli)
Thai
- ปลาเรือ (Plā rʉa)
- ปลาออร์ (Plā or)
Indonesian
- Ikan dayung (Ikan dayung)
- Ikan sabuk raksasa (Ikan sabuk raksasa)
Vietnamese
- Cá mái chèo (Cá mái chèo)
Other Languages and Regional Variations
- Airokala (Airokala) ※ A name found in some regions or texts
- Hlístoun červenohřívý (Hlístoun červenohřívý) ※ A variant found in Slavic languages (e.g., Czech)
- Riemvis (Riemvis) ※ The same name appears multiple times
- Sildekonge (Sildekonge) ※ A term used in Nordic countries (e.g., Danish)
- Silkių karalius (Silkių karalius) ※ Lithuanian
- Sillkung (Sillkung) ※ A Nordic variant, possibly Swedish
- Sneesvis (Sneesvis) ※ A regional or contextual variant
- Wstęgor królewski (Wstęgor królewski) ※ Polish
Serbian/Ukrainian (Cyrillic Examples)
- Оселе́дцевий коро́ль чуба́тий (Oseledtseviy korol’ chubatiy) ※ Ukrainian or a similar variant
- ※ Other Cyrillic variations exist in Russian as noted above
Hebrew
- דג משוט ענק (Dag mashot anak)
Persian (Farsi)
- پاروماهی بزرگ (Pārumāhī bozorg)
Scientific Name
- Regalecus glesne (Regalecus glesne) ※ Used internationally in scientific literature
Global Legends and Mysteries Surrounding the Oarfish
- Western Sea Serpent Legends The mysterious appearance of the oarfish is thought to have inspired legends of giant sea serpents and even the moniker “King of Herrings,” with some cultures considering its appearance an omen affecting the success of fishing expeditions.
- Chinese and Taiwanese Folklore Known as “Chicken-Crested Knife Fish” or “Imperial Belt Fish,” the oarfish plays an important role in regional maritime myths and fishing folklore.
- Japanese Mermaid Legends Ancient texts such as the *Kokin Chomonjū*, *Kōshi Yawa*, and *Rokumotsu Shinshi* describe mermaids with white skin and red hair—a portrayal that many believe was inspired by the oarfish’s silvery body and striking red fins. Additionally, local legends sometimes link oarfish sightings to warnings of earthquakes and tsunamis.
- Indonesian and Southeast Asian Traditions In these regions, the oarfish is viewed as a mysterious giant of the deep that is occasionally connected with omens of natural disasters and other inexplicable phenomena.
- Other Regional Sea Monster Myths Across Europe and elsewhere, sporadic sightings of the oarfish have contributed to enduring legends of sea monsters, reinforcing its status as an enigmatic and culturally significant creature.
These legends arise largely because the oarfish lives a reclusive life in the deep ocean, making encounters extremely rare. While each region offers its own interpretation, the creature’s dramatic appearance remains a common source of mystery and folklore worldwide.
Reference: Wikipedia – Giant oarfish
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