As reported by KGW, this summer brought not one, not two, but three giant sunfish sightings on Oregon’s beaches, creating quite a buzz. The most recent of these awe-inspiring creatures washed ashore at Hug Point State Park near Arch Cape, drawing fascinated crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the enormous fish.
While sunfish occasionally show up along the Oregon coast, it’s rare to see this many in such a short span of time. The first of these remarkable arrivals occurred back in early June, when a hoodwinker sunfish (Mola tecta) — a lesser-known species — washed up north of Seaside. According to the Seaside Aquarium, this species is typically found in warmer waters, making the sighting even more unusual. The hoodwinker measured a whopping 7.3 feet across, the largest of the three, and captured the imagination of locals and tourists alike.
Fast forward a few weeks, and a second sunfish arrived, this time near Sunset Beach. The aquarium identified this one as an ocean sunfish (Mola mola), a species that does live off the Oregon coast, and it measured in at five feet. Just a week ago, the third and latest arrival, another ocean sunfish, made its debut at Hug Point. Although not as large as the hoodwinker, it was still an impressive 6.9 feet across. Unlike its predecessors, this latest fish had likely been dead for some time before washing ashore.
What’s interesting is how the appearance of the rare hoodwinker sunfish seemed to spark a new level of curiosity about sunfish in general. Though ocean sunfish are not uncommon along the Oregon coast, the sight of these massive creatures continues to captivate. And with jellyfish populations booming off the coast, the aquarium explained that these sunfish are likely drawn closer to shore to feed.
From a personal perspective, witnessing such a strange yet majestic animal up close must feel like a rare treat. It’s the kind of experience that makes you pause and reflect on the incredible marine life that exists just beyond our shores. Although seeing a sunfish up close might not be an everyday occurrence, their presence here reminds us just how dynamic and mysterious the ocean can be. If you're ever strolling Oregon’s beaches and happen upon one of these giant fish, take a moment to appreciate the wild beauty of our coastline — and maybe snap a photo for the memory.
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