Researchers have shared an update on the gigantic hoodwinker sunfish that washed up dead on a beach nearly three weeks ago – and is still there.
The huge 7.3ft (221cm) creature, called a mola tecta, first appeared in Gearhart, Oregon, US, earlier this month.
Unlike other species of mola, which have ridges and grooves along their bodies, the hoodwinker is smooth and sleek, and can weigh up to 2,000kg.
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After looking at photographs of the giant fish, marine biologist Marianne Nyegaard was able to confirm that it was indeed a hoodwinker, and believed it might be the largest fish of its kind ever to be sampled.
Marrianne was the first marine biologist to identify the unusual subspecies in 2017.
It has occasionally been spotted near Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Northwest, and is distinguishable from other species because of its thick flap of skin in place of a tail.
Thanks to a pre-planned trip from her home in New Zealand to the US, originally to meet a friend in Seattle, Marianne has now been down to the scene to take samples in person, including removing the animal’s ovary.
The ovary is a key organ for researchers as “there is virtually nothing known about the mola from incubation to adulthood”.
More samples were taken over the weekend (22 June) for Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Marine Chemistry Department.
Images show the huge fish on the beach, alongside researchers cutting into it to get to the important samples.
Social media users have been left mesmerised by snaps of the fish baking in the sun for nearly three weeks.
“Dead fish laying on the beach for 18 days and everyone is smiling? I think someone should do a study on why and how this fish doesn’t stink to the point where only seagulls will pick at its flesh,” said Garry.
“Thanks for the update. It is so interesting,” added Julie.
“Keep updating us!! I want to come see this but just can’t work it into my schedule. So very interesting!” said Melissa.
Sunfish feed between depths of 660 and 2,000 feet, where they eat jellyfish, small fish and crustaceans.
They are thought to only live in temperate waters in the southern hemisphere.
For now, the fish is set to remain on the beach for days or even weeks.
Due to the toughness of its skin, it’s hard for researchers to puncture and they want to get as many samples as possible.
The Seaside Aquarium in Oregon is encouraging people to visit the remarkable fish for themselves.
The species name “tecta” comes from the Latin word “tectus” which means “disguised” or “hidden”.
