Giant Fish: Bigger Than a Chevy Suburban

The Bumphead Sunfish: A Giant Among Fish

Fish are one of the most diverse species on the planet, with a wide range of shapes, colors, and skeletal structures. Some live in freshwater environments, while others thrive in saltwater. Their sizes vary greatly, from minuscule creatures weighing just a few milligrams to massive ones that can reach up to 40,000 pounds. One such extraordinary fish was recently discovered in the Azores archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. A fisherman found a fish the size of a Chevy Suburban, which turned out to be a world record holder.

The fish measured 10.6 feet long and weighed an impressive 6,050 pounds. It was identified as a Bumphead sunfish, which is recognized as the largest living bony fish in the world. According to the Australian Museum, the Bumphead sunfish, also known as southern sunfish, short sunfish, Ramsay’s sunfish, or southern ocean sunfish, is found across various regions except for the Arctic and Antarctic. Its scientific name, Mola alexandrina, remains consistent regardless of its common names.

Why Are They Called Sunfish?

The name "sunfish" is fitting due to their habit of basking in the sun to regulate their body temperature. This behavior is especially important after they hunt, as they often dive into deep, cold waters to feed. Their diet primarily consists of jellyfish, which have low nutritional value but are abundant, reducing the risk of starvation. In addition to jellyfish, Bumphead sunfish consume small fish, algae, plankton, mollusks, crustaceans, salps, and hydrozoans. They are active predators that spend time in deep waters hunting, typically diving up to 200 meters. After these cold dives, they return to the surface to bask in the sun.

Physical Characteristics of the Bumphead Sunfish

Bumphead sunfish resemble other species like the ocean sunfish, hoodwinker sunfish, and slender sunfish. However, they have distinct features such as a bump on their head and chin, which gives them their name. Their rectangular body scales and 14 to 24 fin rays further differentiate them. They also look similar to pufferfish, though they are not poisonous. Despite this, their sheer size can pose a threat, as seen in incidents where they have collided with ships, causing damage.

Lifespan and Growth

In captivity, ocean sunfish typically live around ten years. While the lifespan of wild individuals is unknown, their growth rate is remarkable. They can increase their weight from 50 pounds to nearly 900 pounds in just 15 months. On average, Bumphead sunfish measure about 5 feet 11 inches in length, with a span of 8 feet 2 inches from fin to fin. They usually weigh between 545 and 2,205 pounds.

Marine Life in the Azores Archipelago

The Azores, a remote area in Europe, is home to a variety of marine life, including whales, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, flying fish, swordfish, and blue marlins. Other mammals such as the Azores Noctule bat and European hedgehog can also be found there. Bird lovers will enjoy spotting northern goshawks, eagles, buzzards, and bullfinches. Reptiles like loggerhead and leatherback turtles are occasionally seen on the shores.

Largest Bony Fish Ever Recorded

During the Jurassic Period, around 165 million years ago, the largest bony fish ever recorded was Leedsichthys problematicus. This giant fish reached lengths of about 55 feet and weighed approximately 45 tons, surpassing even the prehistoric Megalodon.

Largest Fish in the World

While the blue whale is the largest animal on Earth, it is a mammal, not a fish. The title of the largest fish belongs to the whale shark, which can grow up to 33 feet long and weigh as much as 41,887 pounds. Unlike the Bumphead sunfish, whale sharks are classified as sharks because they have cartilage instead of bones.

Record-Breaking Fish

Other notable fish include the alligator gar caught by Art Weston, who set a new world record with a fish measuring 90 ½ inches in length and weighing 251 pounds. This catch surpassed the previous record by 60 pounds and highlights the incredible diversity and size of fish species worldwide.

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