Since the Middle Ages, the almost-mythical oarfish has both fascinated and terrified fishermen, sailors, and scientists all around the world. This book offers a wealth of information about these long-bodied creatures and their remarkable biology. Quelling debates about the number of species in existence, Tyson R. Roberts demonstrates that there are at least two and presents new information on the oarfish's distribution, food habits, predators, behavior, reproduction, and early life. He also puts forward several fascinating hypotheses about the fish, including one theorizing that the distinctive scar on the body of nearly all large oarfish is the result of self-amputation. The book also includes over seventy paintings and engravings of these charismatic creatures.