In Venice, the carcass of a sunfish, weighing over a ton, obstructed a canal near the island of Sacca Sessola, as reported by Need To Know.
A water taxi driver was the first to spot the massive remains floating in the water. He promptly alerted the authorities, and it soon became clear that the current had washed the carcass into a heavily trafficked section of the canal.
Due to the sheer size of the fish, it presented a significant navigational hazard. City officials issued warnings to the captains of yachts and other watercraft regarding the danger. Since the remains were located directly in a busy thoroughfare, their presence risked causing issues for transit and potential damage to vessels.
Removing the carcass was not an immediate task. It necessitated the involvement of the fire department, who possessed a small floating crane. Even with the specialized equipment, the operation required several hours to complete. Only then was the channel fully cleared.
Need To Know observes that while Mola mola (sunfish) are found in the Mediterranean Sea, they typically inhabit deep waters and almost never venture close to the coast. This species holds the distinction of being the heaviest known bony fish alive today. Some specimens can exceed two tons in weight, with lengths and widths reaching three to four meters. Furthermore, the sunfish is classified as a vulnerable species.
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