Giant 7-Foot Sea Creature Shocks Beachgoers at Oregon Park

Sunset over a beach with waves and clouds.

A massive 7-foot ocean sunfish washes ashore in Oregon, puzzling locals and marine experts alike.

At a Glance

A 7-foot ocean sunfish (Mola mola) was found on Hug Point State Park beach in Oregon
This is the third sunfish to wash ashore in Clatsop County since June
Mola mola can grow up to 10 feet and weigh up to 5,000 pounds
Increased sightings may be due to heightened awareness after a rare hoodwinker sunfish discovery
Sunfish feed heavily on jellyfish, which are abundant in the area this time of year

Massive Sunfish Discovery Stirs Interest

A colossal ocean sunfish, measuring nearly 7 feet in length, has washed ashore at Hug Point State Park in Arch Cape, Oregon, captivating both locals and marine biologists. The Seaside Aquarium promptly shared images of the impressive fish carcass on social media, highlighting its remarkable size and sparking widespread curiosity. This discovery marks the third sunfish stranding in Clatsop County since June, indicating a notable trend along Oregon’s coastline.

The ocean sunfish, scientifically known as Mola mola, is renowned for its unique appearance and impressive dimensions. While the specimen found at Hug Point measured 6.9 feet, which is considered average for the species, these fish can grow up to 10 feet in length and weigh as much as 5,000 pounds. Their peculiar, flattened body shape and tiny mouth relative to their size make them a subject of fascination for marine enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Giant 7-foot sunfish found on Oregon beach turns out to be newly discovered species https://t.co/reb0254V4G pic.twitter.com/X4HV0rkNIP

— New York Post (@nypost) June 9, 2024

Unusual Sightings and Scientific Interest

The recent string of sunfish strandings has piqued the interest of marine biologists and local aquariums. In June, an even rarer find occurred when a 7.3-foot-long hoodwinker sunfish (Mola tecta) washed ashore. This species was only scientifically described within the past decade, making its appearance particularly significant for researchers. The hoodwinker sunfish discovery is considered one of the largest specimens ever observed by humans, further emphasizing the importance of documenting these occurrences.

“While it has been dead for quite some time, it is still an interesting site [sic],” the Seaside Aquarium noted, highlighting the ongoing fascination with these marine giants even after their demise.

Experts suggest that the increased reports of sunfish strandings may be attributed to heightened public awareness following the rare Mola tecta sighting. This heightened attention has led to more frequent reporting of sunfish encounters, providing valuable data for marine researchers studying these enigmatic creatures.

Ecological Insights and Local Impact

The presence of these large sunfish off the Oregon coast is not unusual, as they are known to inhabit these waters. Their diet primarily consists of jellyfish, which are particularly abundant in the area during this time of year. “They feed heavily on jellyfish which are in huge abundance this time of year,” explained the Seaside Aquarium, shedding light on the ecological factors that may be drawing these fish closer to shore.

While the discovery of such impressive marine life has generated excitement, it has also presented some challenges for local residents. The decaying carcass has produced a strong odor, and its deteriorating state has made removal difficult. Despite these issues, the stranding continues to draw attention from both the public and marine experts, offering a unique opportunity to study these seldom-seen ocean dwellers up close.

As researchers continue to document and study these sunfish strandings, they hope to gain deeper insights into the behavior, migration patterns, and overall health of these fascinating marine species. The recurring appearances of sunfish on Oregon’s beaches serve as a reminder of the diverse and often mysterious marine life that inhabits our oceans, waiting to be discovered and understood.