A snorkeling guide at the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland has become the first to catch an incredibly rare juvenile rowing fish, which can grow up to eight meters long.
Reef guide Tahn Miller had been guiding a group of divers across the shallow Opal Reef, between Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation, when he noticed a glimmer of light that was the elongated, mirror-like fish. that slid.
Miller was at the time with marine biologist Jorja Gilmore, and they both immediately acknowledged that they had come across a rare and unique find.
Miller saw the rare fish as he guided snorkelers to the Great Barrier Reef. (@tahnmiller)
“At first I didn’t know exactly what kind of fish it was, but then I saw the bright mercury-colored body, two predominant eyes and the ultra-thin dorsal fin running towards its tail, rippling like mini waves propelling itself through the water. . “Miller said.
“I knew we had come across something rarely seen at the Great Barrier Reef.
“Luckily, I had my camera and started filming right away.
“At that time I felt that the ocean had given us a secret treasure. It was truly a unique encounter in life.”
The couple returned to their boat to try to identify the fish.
Miller and marine biologists worked to identify the unusual fish. (Tahnmiller)
“The rowing fish was not listed on any of the reef guides on board, so we used the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Master Reef Guide and experts to help identify the species,” Miller said.
Rowfish are believed to be the longest bony fish in the world and are rarely seen in such shallow waters.
The rowing fish caught by Miller had a body of between 35 and 40 cm, but was between one and two meters long considering its fins.
The rowing fish can grow up to eight meters long and experts believe the rowing fish seen was a young one.
The rowan fish is believed to be the longest bony fish and can grow up to eight meters in length. (Getty Images / iStockphoto)
Dr. Tyson R Roberts, a world expert on oarfish, said the oarfish filmed by Miller was the Regalecus russelli species, recognizable by its unique dorsal fin and several extremely elongated rays.
“This is the first record of this species on the Great Barrier Reef and on the east coast of Australia,” Roberts said.
“The only other Australian record of Regalecus russelli was in Port Hedland, Western Australia.”
Mysterious creatures of the depths
Miller said people can record their rare findings and help researchers and conservationists with apps like Eye on the Reef.
“The reef has incredible power to connect humans with nature. When you see it first hand it attracts you, you fall in love with that environment and you are inspired to protect it,” he said.