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Ocean Sunfish Cause Shark Scare in Wells


Swimmers were barred from the waters of a Maine beach for about 30 minutes this week when someone saw what they thought were shark fins sticking out of the surf.

It turns out the fins seen in the waters off Wells belonged to the massive, but harmless, ocean sunfish.

Officials say three fins appeared 30 to 50 yards off shore about 11 a.m. Monday.

Lifeguards ordered everyone out of the water until it was determined the fish posed no threat to humans.

Ocean sunfish are the heaviest bony fish in the world, growing to as much as to 2,200 pounds, up to 6-feet in length and 8 feet from top to bottom.

Fire Chief Dan Moore, who oversees the town's lifeguards, tells The Portland Press Herald, lifeguards used proper caution.

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