Wed Sep 25 09:26:49 UTC 2024: ## Giant Sunfish Washes Ashore in Oregon, Stirring Up Local Interest

**Arch Cape, Oregon** – A massive ocean sunfish, measuring a hefty 6.9 feet in length, has been discovered along the shores of Hug Point State Park. The deceased Mola Mola, a common sight off the Oregon coast, has attracted attention from local experts and beachgoers alike.

The Seaside Aquarium, a local institution, shared pictures of the sunfish on their Facebook page, highlighting its unusual size. While 6.9 feet is considered average, these creatures can grow up to a staggering 10 feet long and weigh as much as 5,000 pounds. This recent discovery is a reminder of the rich and diverse marine life found off the Oregon coast.

This marks the third sunfish to wash ashore in Clatsop County since June. Two were ocean sunfish (Mola mola), and the other was a hoodwinker sunfish (Mola tecta), a relatively new species only identified in the past decade. The June discovery of the hoodwinker sunfish, which measured 7.3 feet long, was believed to be one of the largest ever observed.

The Seaside Aquarium encourages locals and visitors to keep an eye out for these magnificent creatures, as they play a vital role in the marine ecosystem. The recent increase in sunfish sightings is likely due to the abundance of jellyfish, their primary food source, during this time of year.

To view the massive sunfish, head to Hug Point at low tide and walk north towards the waterfall.

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