OPAH (Lampris

See also:

• LUNA (mod. Luni)
• LUNA, ALVARO DE (d. 1453)

luna)  , a pelagic fish, the affinities of which are still a puzzle to ichthyologists . The body is compressed and deep (more so than in the bream) and the scales are minute . A long dorsal fin, high and pointed anteriorly, runs along nearly the whole length of the back; the caudal is strong and deeply cleft . The central fin is also elongated, and all the fins are destitute of spines . The pelvic fins are abdominal in position, long and pointed in shape, and the pelvic bones are connected with the caracoids . These fins contain numerous (15-17) rays, a feature in which the fish differs from the Acanthopterygians . In its gorgeous colours the opah surpasses even the dolphins, all the fins being of a bright scarlet . The sides are bluish green above, violet in the middle, red beneath, variegated with oval spots of brilliant silver . It is only occasionally found near the shore; its real home is the Atlantic, especially near Madeira and the Azores, but many captures are recorded from Great Britain, Ireland and Scandinavia; it strays as far north as Iceland and Newfoundland, and probably southwards to the latitudes of the coast of Guinea . It is rare in the Mediterranean . The name opah, which is now generally used, is derived from the statement of a native of the coast of Guinea who happened to be in England when the first specimen was exhibited (1750), and who thought he recognized in it a fish well known by that name in his native country . From its habit of coming to the surface in calm weather, showing its high dorsal fin above the water, it has also received the name of " sun-fish," which it shares with Orthagoriscus and the basking shark .

It grows to a length of 4 to 5 ft. and a

weight exceeding too lb, and is highly esteemed on account of the excellent flavour of its flesh .