The waters on earth are filled with diverse and interesting species. From deep ocean creatures specially capable of handling the crushing pressure, to fish that have adapted to blend into their surroundings, there is so much wildlife to experience.
In these diverse ecosystem, there are some particularly rare sightings that usually make local or even national news if someone is lucky enough to see one. We've pulled together 5 fish and other marine species that are rare to see in the wild to give you something to look out for anytime you're on the water.
1. Oarfish
Oarfish, nicknamed the "doomsday fish" are extremely long and are rarely seen live as most of the sightings of them are from when one washes up on shore. This species gets the nickname from Japanese mythology as they're viewed as a sign of trouble and as a signal that an earthquake is coming
To give you an idea of just how big they are, one of the most famous sightings is when a group of Navy Seals found a massive 23 foot specimen on the shore of San Diego in 1996. In february of 2025 though, a live oarfish was spotted on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in Baja California Sur. The sighting made national news and, from the video, it looks like the people that found it were able to get it turned back towards open water so that it could swim away. You can watch the video here.
Where oarfish are found
Temperate and tropical ocean zones.
2. Anglerfish
These sea dwellers are the stuff of nightmares. They are predatory fish that lure in smaller fish with a luminescent fin ray before snatching them. Because many species of anglerfish live so deep underwater, they are rarely seen by people, and even less rarely seen during the day.
A video of a daytime sighting near Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands went viral recently. Unfortunately, the fish from the video died shortly after, so if you're ever lucky enough to see one on the water, the fish is probably not feeling very lucky themselves.
Where Anglerfish are found
Anglerfish are found worldwide, but live in very deep water making wild sightings of them rare.
3. Axolotl
Alright, this one isn't a fish but they are definitely the most photogenic creature on this list. Axolotls are small amphibians that have become one of the stars of the aquatic world. Despite the number of photographs of them though, seeing them in the wild is increasingly rare.
They are native to the Mexican Central Valley, but pollution and habitat degradation has pushed them out of their traditional habitats. Now their only native habitat is Lake Xochimilco and sightings of them are increasingly rare even there.
Where Axolotls are found
Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City
4. Leafy Seadragon
Leafy seadragons are closely related to seahorses and, as the name implies, are covered in leaf-like tendrils. They do not use the tendrils to swim, but they do help them blend in with their surroundings among kelp and other ocean plants.
Of course, this makes them hard to spot, but with a close eye in the right areas of Australia, you can spot a few for yourself in the wild.
Where Leafy Sea Dragons are found
In rocky reefs off the western and southern coasts of Australia
5. Giant Sea Bass
These massive fish can grow to over 7 feet long and weigh over 700 pounds. Unfortunately, this species is listed as critically endangered making sightings of them in the wild rare. They generally live along the edges of near shore rocky reefs and are often found in kelp beds.
It's illegal in California to keep giant sea bass, so if you happen to reel one in make sure you release it immediately.
Where Giant Sea Bass are found
In the Pacific Ocean from northern California to southern Mexico
Get Out There and Find Some!
The people that make these rare sightings are usually people who spend a lot of time on the water! Of course that's not much of a surprise because the more time you spend out there, the more chance you'll see something not many others have seen. So visit West Marine to gear up, get out there and we'll see you on the water.