King-Of-The-Salmon (Trachipterus altivelis)

Debra

Dagobah Resident
This rare and unusual fish just washed up on shore on Vancouver Island this afternoon, it was found at Whiffin Spit, about 58 km across the Island from my place.

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King-of-the Salmon (Trachipterus altivelis). The adults feed in the open ocean at depths of 900+ m (3,000 feet)

The King-of-the-Salmon belongs to the ribbonfish family (Trachipteridae). You’ll note from photo below that the species is indeed very ribbon-like.
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It is extremely thin and maximum confirmed length is 2.45m (Savinykh and Baitalyuk. 2011). The long, high, crimson coloured dorsal fin is also very reminiscent of a ribbon, tapering down the full length of the fish’s back. These fish move in a snake-like fashion, undulating their long bodies.

The unique common name of the King-of-the-Salmon originates from Makah First Nation legend. This fish was believed to be the “king” that would lead salmon back to their rivers to spawn.
To kill one was believed to bring bad luck, causing the death of the salmon. The Makah, like other fisherfolk, must occasionally have caught one on their lines or in their nets.
 
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