Fisheries scientist calls for help on slender sunfish

Department of Fisheries researchers have called on the members of the public to report any sightings of an unusual offshore oceanic fish, called a slender sunfish.

During the past three weeks, about 200 slender sunfish have washed up on beaches near Albany, along a 100km stretch of coast from Cable Beach (near The Gap) to Cheyne Beach (almost 70km east of the town).

The fish, which can grow up to 90cm long, have an oval shape with silver skin and darker spots and stripes, and large eyes. They can sometimes be seen swimming near the surface in the ocean.

Department of Fisheries Senior Research Scientist Dr Kim Smith said the recent mass stranding appeared to be a natural phenomenon. Slender sunfish were mainly found in tropical and subtropical waters, she said. In this case, the fish appeared to have been carried south by a strongly-flowing Leeuwin Current.

Researchers had taken samples from about 60 specimens in order to find out more the species.

“Apart from its distribution, we don’t know much about its life cycle or biological characteristics,” Dr Smith said.

“Because of this mass stranding and the fact we have been able to get there in good time to get fresh samples, we have an opportunity to learn more about this fish.”

Dr Smith said she was keen to hear from the public about recent strandings as well as past instances. “I suspect they wash up quite often, but sightings don't get reported,” she said. “I'd like to hear from anyone who has seen a sunfish in the past. This information may reveal whether there is a seasonal pattern to the strandings.”

If possible, people who find a fresh sample should measure the fish’s length and record the date and location. Photographs and if possible, identification of its gender, will also be useful.

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Fisheries scientist calls for help on slender sunfish