Tiwi Islands Adventures fisho lands giant oarfish

As if massive crocs, painful stingers and hungry sharks weren’t enough reason to keep out of the water, a fourth reason can be added to the list. Check out this photo.

Curtis Peterson from Tiwi Islands Adventures reeled in this creature from the deep. Picture: Fishing Australia TV Facebook.

A Top End angler hauled in the catch of a lifetime and far more than he bargained for.

An image of the Tiwi Islands Adventures fisherman has gone viral after he landed one of the world’s most elusive fish during a moonlight session.

A long slender beast with plate sized eyes, a shiny silver body and a horse-like head - this alien looking animal is rarely seen by humans.

It is known as an oarfish and is incredibly rare.

Not much more is known about its life other than it is a filter feeder which swims vertically at depths of up to 1,000 metres.

The ancient looking creature, which bears a passing resemblance to the Loch Ness Monster, is alarmingly also known by its rather prophetic nickname, ‘The Doomsday Fish’.

Thought to be a symbol and harbingers of bad news, the legend behind the name comes from the belief that higher powers are sending a warning sign to those that lay eyes on the fish.

Troy Coward, Andy Mole and Axel Strauss hold a 4m Oarfish found dead approximately 6m offshore at City Beach WA, 2005. Picture: Astrid/Volzke.

“These fish can turn up anywhere but seem to prefer more temperate ocean zones,” NT News’ fishing columnist Alex Julius said.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever heard someone land a fish like that.

“It’s also very rare to land one of these fish, most being found washed up ashore already deceased.

“Apparently they’re not that great eating either, having a gelatinous like taste to them.”

News of the creature’s capture has also caused a huge stir online with many believing the photo to be a phony and AI generated.

Posted last week on Fishing Australia TV’s Facebook page, the re-uploaded image has since racked up 1.3k likes and more than 450 shares.

A seahorse was a common theme among those who commented with one poster declaring, “It’s Puff the magic sea dragon who lives under the sea isn’t it”.

Another poster added: “Well I have seen Catfish and Dogfish and Seahorses (but this is the) first time seeing a Horse-fish.”

Some even joked the fish was actually just their good mate who’d gone walkabout.

“Name’s crazy horse, he’s from Adelaide” one comment read, “I’d call it the Bogan Barracuda”.

“Looks like the fish version of the bloke at the pub who always has a wild story and an even wilder mullet”, another said.