"King of the herring" is a nautical term that refers to the oarfish, a long, slender fish that inhabits deep ocean waters. This creature has become associated with this nickname due to its impressive size, reaching up to 17 meters in length in some cases. Other synonyms for "king of the herring" include "ribbon fish," "streamer fish," and "king of the serpentines." These alternative names are also used to describe the oarfish's elongated body shape and undulating movements in the water. Regardless of the name used, the oarfish remains a fascinating and mysterious creature of the deep ocean.