Rare Hoodwinker Sunfish Spotted on California Beach

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A Sonoma State University professor recently discovered a hoodwinker sunfish (Mola tecta), one of the rarest marine creatures, washed ashore at Doran Regional Park in California. This unexpected sighting has prompted scientists to re-evaluate the distribution and migratory patterns of these enigmatic ocean giants, potentially linked to climate change and shifting ocean currents.

Why it matters

Sunfish strandings, once considered anomalies, are becoming more frequent, raising concerns about the health of marine ecosystems. The appearance of the hoodwinker sunfish, traditionally found in the Southern Hemisphere, in California challenges existing assumptions and suggests a potential expansion of the species' range, which could be a response to climate change and other environmental factors.

The details

The hoodwinker sunfish (Mola tecta) was first formally described in 2017 and remains one of the ocean's most elusive creatures. Unlike the more common ocean sunfish (Mola mola), the hoodwinker has a smoother body and lacks the distinctive protruding snout and head/chin bumps. This makes accurate identification crucial, especially when relying on reports from beachgoers. The recent sighting at Doran Beach was made by Sonoma State University professor Stefan Kiesbye during a routine cleanup, highlighting the importance of citizen science in marine research.

• The hoodwinker sunfish was first spotted at Doran Regional Park in California on February 15, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Researchers plan to conduct further monitoring and genetic analysis of stranded hoodwinker sunfish to better understand their population structure, connectivity, and the potential drivers behind their expanding range.