Mythical sea creature captured on film

Date: September 17, 2013

Source: IOL scitech

Author: SAPA

Paris – Environmentalists on Monday unveiled unprecedented footage of a legendary sea creature, the giant oarfish, as they stepped up a campaign against bottom trawling.

The origin of the myth of the sea serpent – a snake deemed capable of capsizing vessels and swallowing crew – the giant oarfish reaches a length of 11 metres and more than 250 kilos.  Eel-like in appearance, the creature (Regalecus glesne) is the world’s longest bony fish. It is only rarely seen by humans, and usually only as a bizarre, unwanted bycatch from commercial fishing.

At a press conference in Paris, ocean conservationists showed exclusive footage of the sinuous giant in its deep-sea environment as part of its effort to highlight dangers from trawling the sea bed.

For more, go to: www.iol.co.za/scitech/science/environment/mythical-sea-creature-captured-on-film-1.1578607#.UkGMVX9Fu-0

Posted on Categories Fisheries ScienceTags