A huge moonfish has been caught in the Mediterranean Sea off the northern coast of Africa. It is reported by Reuters…
The fish got caught in the net of a fishing vessel engaged in fishing for tuna. It was 3.2 meters long and 2.9 meters wide. This is a record size even for this region, where fishermen often encounter large fish moons.
“We tried to put it on a scale designed for one ton, but it turned out to be too big and could break them,” says marine biologist Enrique Ostale, who was invited to inspect the unusual catch. “Judging by her obesity and based on comparisons with other caught fish, she must have weighed about two tons.”
According to the expert, the moonfish belonged to the subspecies Mola alexandrini. She was taken to the shore alive and with the help of a crane was lifted out of the water for several minutes for inspection. After measuring, photographing and taking DNA samples, the fish were released into the sea.
Moon fish – This is the heaviest of modern bony fish, some individuals can weigh more than two tons. Its length and width can reach three to four meters. Considered a vulnerable species.
In 2020, it was reported that two anglers from Australia took a chance to swim near a giant moon fish. They filmed their meeting with her.