RARE FISH CAUGHT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 67, 24 April 1945, Page 7

RARE FISH CAUGHT

OFF SYDNEY BEACH

- An oar fish 3 described as a rare specimen of deep sea life, was caught at Maroubra Beach, Sydney, recently. It was very nearly eaten, but instead has been presented to the Australian Museum; Mr M. George, a member of the Maroubra Life Saving -Club, found the fish floundering in shallow \vaf;cr and caught it in his hands. He wanted to> take it home for his dinner, but members of. the ,surf club were so impressed by its strange appearance that they telephoned Mr F. A. McNeill, of the marine zoology section at the Australian Museum. Mr McNeill went immediately to the beach and took the fish back with him for close examination. The fish will be an invaluable ad-> dition" to the museum exhibits. It is believed "to be only the second oar fish caught off the New South Wales coast. In 1922, a battered specimen was found and taken to the museum., but the latest catch was in such excellent condition that Mr McNeill said that it would be possible to examine it in detail. The oar fish is scaleless, aluminium in -colour and is about 3ft 9in long. The dorsal fin. is red, and extends from the head the full length of the back. On the body and chin are long oval-shaped filaments.