Janice R. Andrews
Oregon’s Gearhart, June 8, 2024
Locals and experts alike are in disbelief over the sudden discovery of an extremely uncommon and massive fish along the Oregon coast.
On Monday, June 3, the 7.3-foot (221 cm) hoodwinker sunfish washed up on a Gearhart beach, which is located just north of Seaside. After it was initially thought to be the more common ocean sunfish, scientists quickly recognized it as the rarer hoodwinker sunfish, which was only found in 2014.
Samples of the fish were collected by researchers at Seaside Aquarium and forwarded to a researcher in New Zealand, who verified the animal’s identity. The hoodwinker sunfish, which inhabits deep ocean depths and is rarely spotted by humans, is well-known for its elusiveness.
This important discovery has garnered interest due to its remarkable size as well as its rarity. The sunfish stays on the shore, where its strong skin will probably keep it there for several days or perhaps weeks until scavengers can no longer eat it.
While it’s still on the shore, the public is welcome to observe this amazing specimen at the Seaside Aquarium. It is recommended that guests take advantage of this exceptional chance to get up close and personal with one of the ocean’s most interesting critters.
