As of 2018, this is an archived site, provided for historical reference only. It receives no updates, and is not supported by the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. Information provided here may have changed since publication and links may be broken.

Family Lamprididae

Opahs

Opah

Selected Characters: Body compressed, oval shaped; lateral line arched anteriorly; body blue with white spots, fins and mouth red.

Opahs are pelagic marine fishes found worldwide. Reaching lengths of up to 1.8 meters, they feed on cephalopods, crustaceans, and fishes. It is believed that normal locomotion is powered by flapping of the pectoral fins. There are two species in this family, one of which occurs here. This fish is a very rare visitor to Puget Sound.

Puget Sound Species

Lampris guttatus Opah