Researchers baffled by sunfish behavior

Some scientists are scratching their heads after a sunfish was spotted swimming near the surface of the water in what appears to be an unusual behavior for the species.

typically, sunfish can be found swimming near the bottom of the ocean, where they feed on crustaceans and other small aquatic creatures. But this latest sighting has researchers baffled as to why the sunfish is behaving in this way.

When questioned about the matter, one scientist suggested that perhaps the sunfish was simply chasing a bird or some other prey. But this explanation does not seem to entirely fit, as the sunfish was observed swimming close to the surface of the water for a prolonged period of time.

Another possibility is that the sunfish was simply trying to escape a predator. But if that were the case, one would expect to see the sunfish swimming away from whatever it was fleeing from. Instead, it was observed moving towards whatever it perceived as a threat.

Whatever the reason for its behavior, scientists will continue to study this strange activity in order to better understand it. In the meantime, they can only speculate as to what might be causing it.

Unusual sunfish discovered near Hawaii

A team of marine biologists conducting a research expedition in the waters off of Oahu, Hawaii, recently made an unusual discovery – a sunfish (Mola mola) that was considerably smaller than any other specimens they had ever seen. The fish was about 2 feet (0.6 meters) long and weighed only about 5 lbs (2.3 kg).

The diminutive sunfish was found near the surface, swimming alongside several larger specimens. The biologists were able to take a few photos and measurements before releasing it back into the water.

While it is not unheard of for sunfish to vary somewhat in size depending on their location and age, this particular fish was much smaller than any others documented in the region. It is possible that this individual is a juvenile that has not yet reached its full size.

Sunfish are the heaviest bony fish in the world, and can weigh up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg). They are known for their distinctive shape, with a large body and very small tail fin. Sunfish are usually found in tropical and subtropical waters, where they feed on jellyfish, plankton, and other small invertebrates.

This latest discovery is another example of the incredible diversity of sea life that exists in the waters around Hawaii. The area is home to a wide variety of marine mammals, fish, reptiles, and invertebrates, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Sunfish becoming more common in Pacific Northwest

In Oregon and Washington, sunfish are becoming more common. Anglers are catching them from the mouths of coastal rivers to the Columbia River Gorge.

The most common sunfish in these waters is the bluegill, but other species such as redear, green sunfish, and longear sunfish are also being caught.

Anglers targeting sunfish can use a variety of bait and tactics. Live bait such as worms, crickets, or minnows work well, as do artificial lures such as jigs, spinners, and crankbaits.

Sunfish can be caught year-round in Oregon and Washington, but they are most abundant during the summer months. They provide a lot of fun for anglers of all ages and can be caught on light tackle.

Fishermen mystified by large sunfish catches

Sunfish have been mysteriously caught in large numbers by fisherman in the past few weeks. The fish, usually around the size of a dinner plate, have been caught weighing in at over 50 pounds.

Doug Fazzio, a commercial fisherman out of Lewes, DE, was one of the first to experience the phenomenon. "It was just like someone had thrown a bomb into the water," said Fazzio describing the frenzy of sunfish around his boat. "I've never seen anything like it."

Fishermen along the East Coast are reporting similar catches of sunfish, with some as far north as Maine and as far south as Florida. Jesse Traylor, a commercial fisherman in Morehead City, NC, caught a sunfish that weighed in at 52 pounds. "I've been fishing here my whole life and I've never seen anything like that," said Traylor.

Anglers are perplexed by the sudden abundance of sunfish and what could be causing them to aggregate in such high numbers. Some have speculated that warming ocean temperatures could be attracting the fish to certain areas. Others believe that changes in mating behavior could be responsible. Whatever is causing them to congregate is leaving fishermen with an impressive bounty.

Rare sunfish spotted off coast of California

A rare sunfish was spotted off the coast of California last week, according to researchers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

The sunfish, known scientifically as Mola mola, is the world's largest bony fish, and can reach up to 10 feet in length and weigh up to 5,000 pounds.

Sunfish are usually found in tropical or temperate waters, but sometimes wander north into cooler climes. This sunfish is only the third one ever spotted in Monterey Bay, and the first since 2006.

Fortunately for beachgoers and sunbathers, sunfish are not typically considered dangerous predators. However, they are known to feed on small fish, crustaceans, and jellyfish.