Rare 'Cold-Stunned' Fish Spotted In San Diego, Rescued By SeaWorld

A rarely seen spot-fin porcupinefish was spotted in San Diego.

According to NBC7, the fish isn't usually around during the month of December, but one was recently found hovering in the same place for days and days off Point Loma.

Luckily, the cold-stunned porcupinefish was spotted by workers from SeaWorld. Their rescue and aquarium teams carefully collected it and managed to bring it back alive for care.

Officials said the fish had been "floating just sub-surface in the same area for three days." After another three days, rescuers made their move.

After transferring the fish to a SeaWorld aquarium, experts told NBC7 they "started a slow accumulation process to his water tank which involved evaluating the fish in the water and increasing the temperature at a slow pace to eventually reach a near a temperature of 78 degrees, which is a typical temperature for these fish to swim in during this time of the year."

After moving into his new home, the fish, now called Porky, was swimming, eating, and showing awareness of its surroundings.

"[The] fish is doing very well." SeaWorld announced on Monday. "The fish continues to have a steady and healthy appetite, and is eating a variety of food items. Overall, its behaviors, appetite and curiosity prove that the fish is doing very well."