Strange Fish Visits San Diego Beach

A Mola mola, a peculiar fish known for its odd shape, surprised surfers near San Diego. It floated close to the shore before washing up dead.

A Strange Visitor

• Appearance: Big, flat body with a tiny mouth.
• Initial Misidentification: People mistook it for a shark due to its tall fin.
• Weight: The heaviest bony fish in the world, weighing up to 5,000 pounds—as heavy as a small car!

Habitat and Behavior

• Preferred Environment: Usually found far out in the ocean.
• Diet: Enjoys eating jellyfish.
• Unique Habit: Likes to "sunbathe" on the water's surface.

Final Moments

• Observation: A witness watched the fish struggling near the shore.
• Condition: Barely alive, floating near surfers in the morning.
• Outcome: Died as it got closer to the waves.

Expert Insight

The Monterey Bay Aquarium describes the Mola mola as looking like something from a science fiction movie:

• Body Shape: Big and flat with a tiny tail.
• Eyes: Large.
• Mouth: Very small.
• Nature: Despite its strange appearance, it's a peaceful fish.

Rarity and Significance

• Classification: Not a shark or ray; belongs to a different group.
• Size: One of the largest bony fish in the ocean.
• Sightings: Seeing one up close is rare.
• Final Thought: Though its death is unfortunate, the encounter was remarkable.