Fishermen from Iturup caught a moonfish on 9 September off the South Kuril island. Picture: Sakhalin Info

There was controversy over a decision to let bears eat the rare monster fish, with scientists claiming it should have been donated to a museum.

Fishermen from Iturup caught a moonfish on 9 September off the South Kuril island. It is considered to be rare prey in the Kuril, and locals could not recall seeing a moonfish so big.

The boat that caught the giant was so surprised of its size and weight - approximate 1,100 kgs - that it took them more than a day to decide whether to take the catch with them, or let go.

Scientists from Sakhalin History museum tried to get hold of the rare creature once they heard about it being caught, but were too late. Picture: Sakhalin Info

The moonfish died while they were making decision. The rare fish was then brought to shore of Iturup and left in the port for a couple of days.

As it started to rot, the port officials decided to give it to 'fish safari' - a site on the island where local brown bears get fed on fish during lean years when the beasts cannot find sufficient food.

Scientists from Sakhalin History museum tried to get hold of the rare creature once they heard about it being caught, but were too late. Upset by losing the moonfish to bears, they negotiated better co-operation in future with the fishermen.