Early Saturday afternoon, an unusual event attracted attention along the picturesque beach of the former Ospedale al Mare, located in the picturesque setting of the Venice Lido.
An imposing carcass lay on the shoreline, intriguing passersby who promptly alerted the Fire Department, kicking off a discovery that aroused great interest and speculation.
The Moonfish: A colossus of the deep
The fire department's intervention revealed an impressive marine creature: a Moonfish of extraordinary size, with an estimated length of more than 2.5 meters.
This giant of the deep, weighing around ten quintals, immediately aroused wonder and fascination among those who had the privilege of seeing it.
The University of Padua involved in the research
The rarity of such an impressive specimen prompted local authorities to take immediate steps to ensure its preservation and use for scientific purposes.
The Moonfish remains were gently placed in a secure area, protected by barriers and covers to preserve its integrity.
Collaboration with the University of Padua was timely: on Sunday, the Veritas company will transport the precious carcass to a specially designated storage facility, where it will be made available to scholars and researchers to further investigate its biology, behavior and health status.
A long-lived species
The moonfish, also known as Mola mola, is one of the largest bony fishes in existence and, at the same time, one of the most mysterious creatures in the oceans.
Its extraordinary shape and unique habits make it an object of study and admiration by marine biology experts around the world.
Despite its majesty, the Luna fish is often misunderstood and misrepresented, but events like this one offer an unprecedented opportunity to deepen our understanding of this fascinating species and the delicate marine ecosystems in which it lives.
A new chapter in the history of the Venice Lido
The sighting and recovery of the giant sunfish carcass represents a memorable chapter in the history of the Venice Lido, sparking interest and curiosity among both locals and the many visitors who flock to its fascinating beaches.
This extraordinary event reminds us of the beauty and diversity of the natural world and invites us to explore and preserve the oceans and their wonders with renewed commitment and respect.