Sunfish invade local beach, baffling experts
Residents and visitors of a small beach town on the central coast of California were baffled last week when they found large numbers of sunfish (Mola mola) swimming in the shallows and washing up on shore.
This is only the second time in 30 years that sunfish have been spotted in this area, and local experts are at a loss to explain why they have suddenly shown up. Some residents have joked that the fish must be "following the salmon", since there has been an abundance of them in the area recently, but no one knows for sure what is causing this strange phenomenon.
Sunfish are not normally considered to be a common sight, since they typically reside in open water much further offshore. They can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) in length and weigh up to 900 kg (2000 pounds), making them some of the largest bony fish in the world.
Their appearance in such shallow water is puzzling experts, who are still trying to come up with an explanation for it. One possibility is that changing ocean conditions have driven them closer to shore, but so far there is no definitive answer.
In the meantime, locals are enjoying getting a close look at these strange creatures, and many photos and videos of them have been shared on social media. If you're ever near central California and see some sunfish swimming about, be sure to check them out!
Giant sunfish washes up on beach
CAUTION: This article may contain images that are disturbing to some readers.
Residents of a small town in Indonesia were shocked earlier this week when they discovered a massive sunfish washed up on the beach. The fish, which weighed an estimated half a ton, was later buried after efforts to tow it back out to sea proved unsuccessful.
While sunfish are not uncommon in the area, they typically stay much deeper in the water and only come close to shore if they are sick or injured. This specimen was apparently healthy before it died, leading locals to speculate that it may have been hit by a boat.
Sunfish are the world's largest bony fishes and can reach up to 3 meters (10 feet) in length and weigh several hundred kilograms. They are known for their distinctive flattened body shape and protruding dorsal fin. Sunfish feed mainly on jellyfish, but will also eat small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates.
Sunfish sightings increasing off coast of Maine
The Maine Department of Marine Resources has announced that sunfish sightings have been increasing along the coast of Maine. Sunfish, which are typically found in warmer waters, have been spotted as far north as Boothbay Harbor.
"It's definitely something new for us," said marine biologist Caitlyn Frissell. "We're not sure why they're here or what impact they might have on our ecosystem, but we're excited to learn more about them."
Sunfish can weigh up to 500 pounds and measure up to 8 feet in length. They are known for their bright colors and distinctive shape, and are a popular target for fishermen.
So far, there has been no definitive explanation for the sudden appearance of sunfish off the Maine coast. Some experts believe that rising water temperatures may be causing the fish to migrate northward, while others suggest that they may be following a food source.
Whatever the reason may be, the arrival of sunfish in Maine is providing an opportunity for researchers to learn more about these fascinating creatures. "This is a great opportunity to study a fish that is not typically found in these waters," said Frissell. "We're looking forward to seeing how they adapt to their new environment."
Rare sunfish caught by fishing charter in Miami
Anglers aboard the fishing charter out of Miami, FL, got a rare catch earlier this month when they hauled in a sunfish. The fish, which is usually found in more tropical climates, was quickly released back into the water unharmed.
"This is only the second time I've ever seen a sunfish caught here in Miami, and it's definitely the first time I've ever landed one," said Captain Tony of . "They're not usually something you see around these parts."
Sunfish are some of the most interesting and distinctive looking fish in the sea. They can grow up to 4 feet in length and weigh up to 80 pounds. They have a deep blue or green body with bold yellow stripes that run from their head to their tail. Sunfish are popular game fish because they are known for being strong fighters on the line.
Despite their exotic appearance, sunfish are not typically found in tropical climates like Miami. They are more commonly found in temperate waters off the coast of North America and Europe. This makes their appearance in Florida all the more unusual.
Anglers on were excited to land such an unusual catch and were quick to release it back into the water. Sunfish are not known to be dangerous to humans and do not have any commercially important species. So there was no need to keep it for further study or harvest.
Sunfish are a fascinating species of fish and their appearance in Miami is sure to generate excitement among local anglers. If you get a chance to go fishing for sunfish, be sure to take advantage of it! These interesting creatures put up quite a fight on the line and are sure to provide an enjoyable experience for any angler lucky enough to catch them.
Sunfish swarm creates 'visual pollution' off California coast
In early summer, hordes of sunfish gather in California waters and their numbers are growing, leaving officials worried about the potential for "visual pollution."
The sunfish, also known as mola mola, are a curious sight. They often swim near the surface in large groups, exposing their characteristic flat shape.
"They're just piled on top of each other," said Alison DeVries, a spokeswoman for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. "It's kind of a smelly, hot mess."
The aquarium has counted more than 1,000 sunfish off the coast of Monterey this year. Although there hasn't been a formal count done in other parts of California, anecdotal evidence suggests that the problem is statewide.
Officials are concerned that the fish could start to clog up waterways and injure people swimming nearby. They're also worried about the impact on tourism. Sunfish are not typically seen as appealing creatures.
"We've had reports of people being pretty disgusted by it," said Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Kroll of the U.S. Coast Guard District Eleven in San Diego. "People aren't used to seeing them in these numbers."
Sunfish usually migrate south in winter, but experts aren't sure why they're staying put this year. Some have suggested that climate change may be contributing to the phenomenon.