Oarfish The Regalecus glesne, commonly called oarfish, has a silver, ribbonlike body with a long red dorsal (back) fin that rises as a manelike crest on top of the head. (more) Why Do Oarfish Swim Vertically? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/Why-Do-Oarfish-Swim-Vertically Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 17, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Oarfish swim vertically to camouflage themselves in their deep-water habitat. This orientation hides their flattened bodies from predators above, and their reflective silver flesh blends into the color of the water around them in the low light of the depths. Swimming vertically also has other advantages. It helps oarfish spot their prey—small fish and plankton—more easily against the light coming in from above them while staying relatively still. Oarfish are also poor swimmers, and their light bodies are easily carried away by currents. A vertical orientation allows them to leverage their large back fin to navigate more easily and conserve ...(100 of 108 words)

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