Around the Nation: Record Breakers, Rare Beauties, and Bizarre Beasts
From the chilly waters of the Pacific Northwest to the warm currents of the Gulf Coast, the past week has been full of extraordinary aquatic encounters. Anglers and beachgoers across the United States have come face to face with record-shattering giants, elusive deep-sea dwellers, and otherworldly creatures that seem to have leaped from the pages of a fantasy novel. This week's "Around the Nation" dives into four of the most remarkable fish stories that have captured our attention, reminding us of the incredible diversity and mystery that lies beneath the waves.
California's Colossal Canary Rockfish
A day of fishing off the Mendocino County coast in California turned into a potential record-breaking event for angler Brendan Walsh. On what he described as "one last cast" before heading in due to changing weather, Walsh hooked into something unexpectedly large. After a tense battle, he landed a magnificent canary rockfish that tipped the scales at an impressive 10.25 pounds. This catch is not only a personal best for Walsh but is also poised to shatter both state and world records. The current California state record for a canary rockfish stands at 9 pounds, making Walsh's catch a significant leap forward. He has since submitted the necessary paperwork for official verification and is eagerly awaiting confirmation.
Canary rockfish, known for their brilliant orange and yellow coloration, are a prized catch for many anglers. However, they are a relatively rare species, and specimens of this size are almost unheard of. The average canary rockfish weighs between 2 and 5 pounds, making Walsh's fish a true giant of its kind. "Normally those fish don't get that big," Walsh said in an interview. "So normally I let them go. They're actually a fairly rare fish and they're usually a little smaller than that, not even eating size. So it was pretty shocking." This incredible catch is a testament to the surprises that await in the depths of the Pacific and a reminder that the next world record could be just one cast away.
The Hoodwinker Sunfish of Bodega Bay
Meanwhile, a bit further south in Sonoma County, California, beachgoers at Doran Regional Park in Bodega Bay were treated to a truly bizarre sight. What were initially feared to be sharks lurking near a jetty turned out to be something far more unusual: a group of massive, otherworldly-looking sunfish. One of these strange creatures, unfortunately, died and washed ashore, giving scientists and the public a rare up-close look at a hoodwinker sunfish, or Mola tecta. This species was only officially identified in 2017, making it one of the newest additions to the catalog of known fish species. The hoodwinker sunfish is often mistaken for its more common cousin, the Mola mola, but it has distinct features that set it apart.
The specimen that washed ashore was a truly impressive sight, a massive, disc-shaped fish that looked more like a creature from a science fiction film than something you would expect to find on a California beach. Stefan Kiesbye, who photographed the beached sunfish, perfectly captured the sentiment of many who saw it: "It's sad that it's been washed to shore. But it was so enormous and so weird and gorgeous. It's like suddenly you're on another planet." Ariana Reguzzo, a spokesperson for Sonoma County Parks, added, "It was pretty jarring." The carcass of the hoodwinker sunfish will be handled by local wildlife agencies, who will "take over, returning nutrients back into the ecosystem," according to officials. This rare event has provided a valuable opportunity for researchers to learn more about this elusive and fascinating deep-water species.
Texas's Pink Meanie Invasion
The warm waters of the Texas Gulf Coast have recently been graced by a truly spectacular and somewhat intimidating visitor: the pink meanie jellyfish, or Drymonema larsoni. Jace Tunnell, the director of community engagement at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi's Harte Research Institute, reported spotting more than ten of these massive jellyfish along the coast. These are not your average jellyfish. Pink meanies can grow to have tentacles up to 70 feet long and can weigh more than 50 pounds. Their name comes from their vibrant pink coloration, and in the water, they look like "floating cotton candy." However, once washed ashore, they tend to lose their color, making them difficult for beachcombers to identify.
The pink meanie was only identified as a new species in 2011. Researchers had first seen them in the Gulf of Mexico as early as 2001 but had initially mistaken them for a known Mediterranean species. Genetic research later revealed that they were an entirely different family of jellyfish. These giants of the jellyfish world are voracious predators, feeding primarily on moon jellyfish. Their populations tend to follow the blooms of their prey, and without a steady supply of moon jellyfish, the pink meanies tend to "die off real quick," according to Tunnell. While they do sting, the sensation is described as "pretty mild." The recent sightings of these magnificent and mysterious creatures have captivated beachgoers and scientists alike, offering a glimpse into the complex and often unseen world of the Gulf of Mexico's inhabitants.
Oregon's Radiant Opah
Finally, we travel north to the Oregon coast, where a truly stunning and rare fish washed ashore on Sunset Beach near Seaside. A 3.5-foot, 100-pound Opah, also known as a moonfish, was discovered on the beach and reported to the Seaside Aquarium. The aquarium staff, recognizing the significance of the find, quickly responded to recover the fish. The Opah is a remarkable creature, not only for its vibrant, almost psychedelic coloration but also for its unique biology. It is the only known warm-blooded fish, a trait that allows it to thrive in the cold, deep waters of the open ocean.
The Opah is a creature of breathtaking beauty. Its body is a steely blue on top, fading into a vibrant orange and red, with small white spots covering its flanks. Its large eyes are surrounded by a golden-yellow ring, adding to its otherworldly appearance. These fish can grow to be over 6 feet long and weigh more than 600 pounds. They are typically found in tropical and temperate waters around the world, making their appearance on the Oregon coast a rare and special event. While they are occasionally caught as bycatch in commercial fisheries, they are a difficult fish to target with a rod and reel. The discovery of this magnificent specimen on an Oregon beach is a reminder of the incredible beauty and diversity of life that exists in the deep ocean, and the secrets that are still waiting to be discovered.
From the chilly waters of the Pacific Northwest to the warm currents of the Gulf Coast, the past week has been full of extraordinary aquatic encounters. Anglers and beachgoers across the United States have come face to face with record-shattering giants, elusive deep-sea dwellers, and otherworldly creatures that seem to have leaped from the pages of a fantasy novel. This week's "Around the Nation" dives into four of the most remarkable fish stories that have captured our attention, reminding us of the incredible diversity and mystery that lies beneath the waves.
California's Colossal Canary Rockfish
A day of fishing off the Mendocino County coast in California turned into a potential record-breaking event for angler Brendan Walsh. On what he described as "one last cast" before heading in due to changing weather, Walsh hooked into something unexpectedly large. After a tense battle, he landed a magnificent canary rockfish that tipped the scales at an impressive 10.25 pounds. This catch is not only a personal best for Walsh but is also poised to shatter both state and world records. The current California state record for a canary rockfish stands at 9 pounds, making Walsh's catch a significant leap forward. He has since submitted the necessary paperwork for official verification and is eagerly awaiting confirmation.
Canary rockfish, known for their brilliant orange and yellow coloration, are a prized catch for many anglers. However, they are a relatively rare species, and specimens of this size are almost unheard of. The average canary rockfish weighs between 2 and 5 pounds, making Walsh's fish a true giant of its kind. "Normally those fish don't get that big," Walsh said in an interview. "So normally I let them go. They're actually a fairly rare fish and they're usually a little smaller than that, not even eating size. So it was pretty shocking." This incredible catch is a testament to the surprises that await in the depths of the Pacific and a reminder that the next world record could be just one cast away.
The Hoodwinker Sunfish of Bodega Bay
Meanwhile, a bit further south in Sonoma County, California, beachgoers at Doran Regional Park in Bodega Bay were treated to a truly bizarre sight. What were initially feared to be sharks lurking near a jetty turned out to be something far more unusual: a group of massive, otherworldly-looking sunfish. One of these strange creatures, unfortunately, died and washed ashore, giving scientists and the public a rare up-close look at a hoodwinker sunfish, or Mola tecta. This species was only officially identified in 2017, making it one of the newest additions to the catalog of known fish species. The hoodwinker sunfish is often mistaken for its more common cousin, the Mola mola, but it has distinct features that set it apart.
The specimen that washed ashore was a truly impressive sight, a massive, disc-shaped fish that looked more like a creature from a science fiction film than something you would expect to find on a California beach. Stefan Kiesbye, who photographed the beached sunfish, perfectly captured the sentiment of many who saw it: "It's sad that it's been washed to shore. But it was so enormous and so weird and gorgeous. It's like suddenly you're on another planet." Ariana Reguzzo, a spokesperson for Sonoma County Parks, added, "It was pretty jarring." The carcass of the hoodwinker sunfish will be handled by local wildlife agencies, who will "take over, returning nutrients back into the ecosystem," according to officials. This rare event has provided a valuable opportunity for researchers to learn more about this elusive and fascinating deep-water species.
Texas's Pink Meanie Invasion
The warm waters of the Texas Gulf Coast have recently been graced by a truly spectacular and somewhat intimidating visitor: the pink meanie jellyfish, or Drymonema larsoni. Jace Tunnell, the director of community engagement at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi's Harte Research Institute, reported spotting more than ten of these massive jellyfish along the coast. These are not your average jellyfish. Pink meanies can grow to have tentacles up to 70 feet long and can weigh more than 50 pounds. Their name comes from their vibrant pink coloration, and in the water, they look like "floating cotton candy." However, once washed ashore, they tend to lose their color, making them difficult for beachcombers to identify.
The pink meanie was only identified as a new species in 2011. Researchers had first seen them in the Gulf of Mexico as early as 2001 but had initially mistaken them for a known Mediterranean species. Genetic research later revealed that they were an entirely different family of jellyfish. These giants of the jellyfish world are voracious predators, feeding primarily on moon jellyfish. Their populations tend to follow the blooms of their prey, and without a steady supply of moon jellyfish, the pink meanies tend to "die off real quick," according to Tunnell. While they do sting, the sensation is described as "pretty mild." The recent sightings of these magnificent and mysterious creatures have captivated beachgoers and scientists alike, offering a glimpse into the complex and often unseen world of the Gulf of Mexico's inhabitants.
Oregon's Radiant Opah
Finally, we travel north to the Oregon coast, where a truly stunning and rare fish washed ashore on Sunset Beach near Seaside. A 3.5-foot, 100-pound Opah, also known as a moonfish, was discovered on the beach and reported to the Seaside Aquarium. The aquarium staff, recognizing the significance of the find, quickly responded to recover the fish. The Opah is a remarkable creature, not only for its vibrant, almost psychedelic coloration but also for its unique biology. It is the only known warm-blooded fish, a trait that allows it to thrive in the cold, deep waters of the open ocean.
The Opah is a creature of breathtaking beauty. Its body is a steely blue on top, fading into a vibrant orange and red, with small white spots covering its flanks. Its large eyes are surrounded by a golden-yellow ring, adding to its otherworldly appearance. These fish can grow to be over 6 feet long and weigh more than 600 pounds. They are typically found in tropical and temperate waters around the world, making their appearance on the Oregon coast a rare and special event. While they are occasionally caught as bycatch in commercial fisheries, they are a difficult fish to target with a rod and reel. The discovery of this magnificent specimen on an Oregon beach is a reminder of the incredible beauty and diversity of life that exists in the deep ocean, and the secrets that are still waiting to be discovered.
