Home · Regalecidae · Streamer fish
Streamer fish (Agrostichthys parkeri) — Regalecidae

Streamer fish

Agrostichthys parkeri
Family: Regalecidae

The Streamer fish (Agrostichthys parkeri) is a saltwater fish of the family Regalecidae that grows up to 300 cm.

Length
300 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Argentina, Australia, Namibia, New Zealand, Uruguay

Want the complete picture on the Streamer fish?

Get the app

Description

The streamer fish is a rare deep-sea fish (Regalecidae), related to the oarfish, from temperate waters of the southern hemisphere. The species can grow to about 3 metres and has an extraordinarily long, ribbon-shaped, silvery body with a long red dorsal fin running its whole length. It lives in the deep open water column and probably eats small zooplankton and small fish. It is reported to be able to deliver a mild electric charge. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Streamer fish?

The Streamer fish has a snake-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Streamer fish live?

The Streamer fish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. South America: Argentina, Australia, Namibia, New Zealand, Uruguay

How big does the Streamer fish get?

The Streamer fish grows to a maximum of about 300 cm.

Is the Streamer fish dangerous to humans?

No, the Streamer fish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Streamer fish?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Streamer fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →

All data

Identification

English name
Streamer fish sourced
Scientific name
Agrostichthys parkeri
Family
Regalecidae
Other names
Oarfish; Ribbonfish; Streamer fish; Benham's streamerfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
300.0 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
South America: Argentina, Australia, Namibia, New Zealand, Uruguay sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Regalecidae

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Streamer fish?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Streamer fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →
Is this the Streamer fish? Get the app