By: Casandra Tania and Daan Wenggi
In mid-July, residents of Wondama, West Papua were shocked by a large fish that was accidentally caught. All residents were quite surprised, because the fish was the first time seen in the waters of Wondama Bay.

WWF Indonesia team went to the location where the fish. The fish has been displayed and exhibited by the community in Wondiboi Village, Rasiei District, Wondama Bay Regency. Based on the observation, it turns out that the fish caught is Sharptail mola or Sharpfin Sunfish which has similarities with Sunfish (Mola Mola).

Sharptail Sunfish has a flattened body with a dorsal fin and a long anal fin with a caudal fin when compared to the common sunfish which does not have a caudal fin. This fish is more cloaked in mystery than its relative, the sunfish, which is commonly seen at the surface of the sea to rid itself of parasites, either alone or in pairs.

The appearance of this fish is a rare thing in the waters of Wondama Bay Based on information from Papa Risma, he caught the fish this morning at around 07.00 WIT, Zakarias Auri, who also works as a Windiboi Health Center officer, caught the fish in the Tanjung Kubiari area between Isui and Isei Villages, about 100 meters from the beach after seeing the dorsal fin that appeared on the surface of the water.

After seeing the dorsal fin, Mr. Auri immediately hooked the fish's back and immediately pulled it ashore to be caught. The fish was about 1.2m long and 90cm wide. Mr. Auri did not dare to consume the fish, only after displaying it and being satisfied by the public, he would bury the fish.

Previously, sunfish were spotted in the Nabire area, around Papaya Island. In addition, a sunfish carcass was also allegedly found stranded in Sima Village, Yaur District, Nabire. The discovery of rare fish shows that the Cenderawasih Bay National Park area is very rich in marine life. From the whale shark, which is the largest cartilaginous fish, to the sunfish, which is also the largest true bony fish in the world, there are here.