Azurine or Blue Roach

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library

Azurine or Blue Roach

Azurine or Blue Roach -- a fish that didn t actually exist, but still managed to wriggle its way into a few 19th century reference books. Date: 1865

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 14229250

© The Sharp Illustration Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library

1865 Fake Fishes Hoax Invention Mistake Roach Species 1860s

EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "The Enigmatic Azurine Roach: A Victorian Marine Mystery. This 1865 print, titled "Azurine Roach," showcases a fantastical underwater creature that defies the boundaries of reality. The Azurine Roach, a name that graced a few 19th century reference books, was an intriguing hoax that managed to wriggle its way into the annals of natural history. The Azurine Roach, with its shimmering azure scales and elongated, slender body, bears a striking resemblance to the common roach fish. However, this enigmatic creature was said to inhabit the deepest, most mysterious depths of the ocean, far beyond the reach of human explorers. The origins of the Azurine Roach remain shrouded in mystery. Some believe it was an invention, a whimsical creation of an imaginative artist or taxidermist, designed to tantalize the curiosity of the Victorian public. Others argue that it was a mistake, a misidentification of an unknown species or a mislabeled specimen in a natural history collection. Despite the uncertainty surrounding its existence, the Azurine Roach captivated the imaginations of naturalists, artists, and the general public alike. Its inclusion in reference books and scientific illustrations further solidified its place in the annals of natural history, even as doubts about its authenticity began to surface. Today, the Azurine Roach serves as a reminder of the fascination and wonder that the natural world inspires, as well as the importance of critical thinking and skepticism in the pursuit of knowledge. Whether it was a deliberate hoax or an honest mistake, the Azurine Roach continues to intrigue and delight, offering a glimpse into the Victorian era's fascination with the unknown depths of the ocean.

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