A remarkable discovery has captivated both local aquatic experts and beachgoers at Hug Point State Park in Arch Cape, Oregon, where a gigantic ocean sunfish, measuring an impressive 6.9 feet in length, has been spotted.
Known scientifically as Mola Mola, this massive creature has sparked significant interest in the region, highlighting the rich marine biodiversity along the Oregon coast.
Seaside aquarium shares the news
The Seaside Aquarium, a local institution, took to Facebook to share photographs of the deceased sunfish, noting its unusually large size. “Another Mola Mola has washed ashore at Hug Point State Park, and it is creating quite a stir,” the aquarium posted.
“While it has been dead for quite some time, it is still an interesting site. If you want to go see it, we recommend heading to Hug Point at low tide and heading north towards the waterfall.”
Mola mola can grow up to an astounding 10 feet in length and can weigh as much as 5,000 pounds. The sunfish that washed ashore is part of the diverse marine life that exists off the Oregon coast, showcasing the unique ecosystems in the area.
A surge in sunfish strandings
The recent sighting marks the third sunfish to wash ashore in Clatsop County since June, including two ocean sunfish (Mola mola) and one hoodwinker sunfish (Mola tecta).
“We are getting more reports because of the stir that the Mola tecta caused when it washed in (it was the first Mola tecta documented in Oregon), but that is likely because it has just recently been described and designated as a new species,” the aquarium explained. “It is not unusual for these guys to wash ashore, as they do reside off the Oregon Coast. People are aware that we are interested in documenting these strandings and collecting information from them.”
Feeding habits and local impact
The Seaside Aquarium emphasized the significance of these occurrences, stating, “The most recent sunfish at Hug Point was 6.9 feet long, which is an average size for our area; however, they can get up to 10 feet long and weigh up to 5,000 pounds. They feed heavily on jellyfish, which are in huge abundance this time of year.”
The images shared by the aquarium depict the sunfish’s grey, wrinkled body in a state of decay, drawing further attention to the local marine ecosystem. The previous discovery of a hoodwinker sunfish, measuring 7.3 feet long, was believed to be one of the largest ever observed, showcasing the fascinating and often underappreciated marine life found along the Oregon coast. As marine experts continue to study these remarkable creatures, the ongoing strandings serve as a reminder of the ocean’s diverse inhabitants and the importance of documenting their presence in local waters.