Rare sunfish washed up dead on US beach

An enormous and rare sunfish, measuring 2.2 meters, has washed up dead on a beach on the northern coast of the United States, in the state of Oregon.

Previously thought to inhabit only southern regions’ waters, the dead fish has attracted significant attention.

The sunfish was first spotted on the beach in Gearhart last Monday, according to a press release from Seaside Aquarium via the AP news agency.

A spokesperson from the aquarium said the animal was still on the beach as of Friday and might remain there for weeks. This is because scavengers have difficulty penetrating the enormous fish’s thick skin.

Largest sunfish ever recorded

Various photos show the fish lying on the beach. One photo shows a large car beside the sunfish, illustrating the animal’s size.

New Zealand researcher Marianne Nyegaard, who specializes in sunfish, believes the animal might be the largest sunfish ever recorded.

Sunfish, or mola, are among the heaviest bony fish in the world, capable of reaching lengths up to 3.3 meters (10.8 feet) and weights up to 2,300 kilograms (5,100 pounds).

There are several species of sunfish, with the most well-known being the Mola mola, or common sunfish.