Mystery as massive 4,000lbs sunfish washes up on idyllic beach

Last updated: 2024/08/20 at 12:27 PM

Katie Dollard

3 Min Read

The 4,000 pound fish that washed up on a beach in Oregon. (Picture: Jam Press)

A sunfish weighing a whopping 285 stone (4,000lbs) has washed up on a beach in Italy.

The dead creature was spotted on the shore at Sunset Beach, in Oregon, on Sunday (18 August) morning.

A local seaside aquarium said this type of sunfish, the mola mola, is relatively small in comparison to its relatives, as reported by What’s The Jam.

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There are three different species of mola sunfish – the mola mola, the mola tecta, and the mola alexandrini.

Massive 4,000lb sunfish washes up on Italy's Sunset Beach. The mola mola, usually found in oceans worldwide, has sparked concern among locals and marine enthusiasts. — *The 4,000 pound fish that washed up on a beach in Oregon. (Picture: Jam Press)*

All three can be found all over the globe and are widely distributed throughout the world’s oceans, except for the polar regions.

While this fish only reaches five feet, some sunfish can be as long as 10 feet, weighing 5,000 pounds.

The species usually eats jellyfish and squid.

They also lack a swim bladder, making them slow moving drifters.

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Commenting on the beached mola mola, Briana said: “Having lived here my whole life I have seen a few of these (among a few other first seen creatures) washing up on the beaches. What’s going on out there.”

Heidi added: “Poor thing. Looks like it had thrown up something. Do we know why? I hate seeing this.”

Andrea commented: “Poor guy! I’ve never heard of a Mola Mola before. Thanks for the marine biology lesson!”

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Social media comment on the post of Massive 4,000lb sunfish washes up on Italy's Sunset Beach. The mola mola, usually found in oceans worldwide, has sparked concern among locals and marine enthusiasts. — *Social media comment on the post. (Picture: Jam Press)*

Tiffany wrote: “Sad to see these fish continue to wash ashore.”

Bobbi said: “Quite frankly, I’ve noticed that the water has become warmer lately. It’s really sad to see beautiful creatures washing up ashore like this, maybe it’s got to do with climate change.”