Marine scientists say that the sighting of a moonfish washed up on the shores of Oregon, USA, is a rare occurrence. The fish was found in remarkably fresh and intact condition.
According to CNN, locals discovered a opah – also known as moonfish – washed ashore at Sunset Beach in Seaside, Oregon, on July 14.
The moonfish weighing about 45kg discovered on July 14 – (Photo: CNN)
On Facebook, the Seaside Ocean Institute shared several photos of the fish, which weighs over 45kg and measures approximately 1 meter in length, noting that this sighting is uncommon in the area.
“This species is quite fascinating, we rarely see them wash up on the shore. The locals are very excited” – said Keith Chandler, the executive director of the Seaside Ocean Institute.
Based on the condition of the fish when it was found, Chandler believes it had only washed ashore about an hour before the ocean institute staff received the report. “Unfortunately, it had already died, but we arrived earlier than the birds” – he stated.
The moonfish when it was first discovered – (Photo: CNN)
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), very little is known about moonfish because they inhabit deep waters in temperate and tropical seas.
“Moonfish have an unusual shape. Their bodies are round, flat, and silvery gray. Near the belly, the color transitions to bright red, adorned with white spots. Their fins and mouths are red, and their large eyes are surrounded by a golden hue” – NOAA describes.
The fish in Oregon is currently being preserved in a large freezer. The Seaside Ocean Institute plans to collaborate with the Columbia River Maritime Museum to conduct an autopsy. A lucky group of students will be selected to participate.
Expert Chandler mentioned they want to gather “any information possible” about this species.
