A colossal fish, measuring an impressive 7.3 feet in length and resembling the size of a golf cart, has been discovered on the shores of Gearhart, Oregon. Identified as a hoodwinker sunfish, this particular species was only recently unveiled in 2017 by marine scientists from Gearhart.
The deceptive appearance of the hoodwinker sunfish bears a striking resemblance to the more commonly spotted ocean sunfish. Its resilient and robust skin serves as a protective shield, rendering it nearly impervious to scavengers. As such, it is anticipated that the fish will likely remain stranded on the beach for several days, if not weeks. This insight was provided by representatives from Gearhart’s esteemed Seaside Aquarium.
The unearthing of this extraordinary fish was achieved through rigorous genetic sampling and meticulous observation. The esteemed Seaside Aquarium underscored the importance of this discovery, noting that “Dubbed a new species hiding in plain sight, it was genetic sampling and eventual observation that contributed to its finding.”
The anomalous sight of this colossal fish drew throngs of curious onlookers to the shoreline. Its extraordinary appearance sparked a buzz across various social media platforms, captivating the interest of many individuals. To provide insight into the fish’s unprecedented size, the aquarium took to Facebook to share vivid images depicting its flat, round, mottled gray form as it lay on its side in the sand, juxtaposed against a single person and a pickup truck.
Furthermore, this discovery prompted a prominent marine biologist from Denmark, who was the first to identify the hoodwinker species, to extend her assistance in validating the fish’s identity. Dr Marianne Nyegaard, a distinguished marine biologist based in New Zealand, initiated a request for genetic samples, additional photographs, measurements, and tissue samples from the aquarium. Upon analysis, she confirmed that the beached fish was indeed a hoodwinker sunfish and possibly the largest specimen on record.
The hoodwinker sunfish, scientifically known as ‘Mola tecta,’ has been unequivocally classified as a distinct species from the ocean sunfish, as substantiated by research conducted in 2017 by Dr Nyegaard. Genetic sampling and observational studies revealed that the hoodwinker sunfish had been concealing its existence in open view. According to Dr Nyegaard, “Sunfish aren’t particularly rare, but it’s tricky to study them as they simply live in parts of the ocean most humans don’t go.”
Dr Nyegaard elaborated on the sunfish’s behavior, describing how they delve hundreds of meters below the surface to feed before ascending to sunbathe on their sides. This characteristic behavior also lends itself to the name of the fish. In recent years, isolated instances of hoodwinker sunfish washing ashore on the coasts of California and Alaska have come to light, dispelling the notion that they are confined solely to more tropical or temperate oceanic habitats.
The Seaside Aquarium posited that this enigmatic fish could have previously been spotted or washed ashore in the Pacific Northwest but had been misidentified as the more prevalent ocean sunfish. The momentous discovery of the hoodwinker sunfish has captivated the scientific community and marine enthusiasts alike, illuminating the presence of this elusive species within the waters of the Pacific Northwest.