Opah (Lampris gutatus)

The Opah or Lampris gutatus is a saltwater fish that goes by a couple different names including the Moonfish, Sunfish, Kingfish, Redfin Ccean Pan and the Jerusalem Haddock. This fish is has a circular shape and can grow very large, up to 6 feet in length and weighing up to 700lbs! Their fins are red in color with a body that is less tan twice as long as it is wide. Opah are sometimes confused with other fish, but can be distinguished by its 14 to 17 pectoral rays. These fish have a singular dorsal fin with long pectoral and pelvic fins and a concave caudal fin. There is also a gold band around their eyes.

Often caught for sport, these fish are also a good food source and are often hooked in waters of 200 to 1,200 feet deep in the Pacific Ocean. One of the most common meals for the Opah is squid, but it will also eat smaller fish and invertebrates. This fish tends to travel with Tuna and Billfish in search of food.

As you can image due to its enormous size and strong body these fish are fantastic fighters and will put up a serious challenge for even the most experienced of anglers.  The depths that they inhabit also make them extreme difficult to capture.

If you have any additonal information about the Opah fish please leave us a comment below.