Unveiling the Giants of the Deep: Identifying Huge Fish Shadows in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Those massive shadows lurking beneath the surface in Animal Crossing: New Horizons can be both exciting and intimidating. In short, the huge fish shadows you’re likely spotting belong to a few key species: primarily sharks and the coelacanth. Sharks are identifiable by the fin protruding from the water, while the coelacanth, though finless, boasts a shadow size that rivals those of the ocean’s apex predators. Knowing the when, where, and how of these leviathans is key to completing your museum and filling your pockets with Bells.

Understanding Fish Shadows in ACNH

The Shadow Size Spectrum

Animal Crossing utilizes a shadow size system to differentiate between fish species. This system ranges from:

• Extra Small (1)
• Small (2)
• Medium (3)
• Large (4)
• Extra Large (5)
• Giant (6)

The larger the shadow, the bigger and often more valuable the fish. However, rarity doesn’t always correlate perfectly with size. Some medium-sized fish can be significantly rarer than their larger counterparts. Keep an eye out for longer, skinnier shadows in the ocean which usually indicate eels.

Identifying Sharks: The Tell-Tale Fin

The easiest way to identify a shark shadow is the presence of a distinct fin sticking out of the water. This visual cue separates sharks from all other fish in the game. The most common sharks you’ll encounter are:

• Great White Shark
• Hammerhead Shark
• Saw Shark
• Whale Shark

All of these sharks cast very large shadows and appear exclusively during certain months.

The Coelacanth: A Finless Giant

The Coelacanth is a unique case. It doesn’t have a fin sticking out of the water, but it has a shadow size that’s very similar to the large fish that are size 5 and 6. It only appears when it’s raining, making the coelacanth both rare and highly sought-after.

Strategies for Catching Big Shadows

Location is Key

Different fish spawn in different locations. Sharks are exclusively found in the ocean, while the Coelacanth can be found in the ocean as well.

Time of Year Matters

The availability of certain fish varies depending on the month. For example, sharks are predominantly a summer catch. Understanding the seasonal spawning patterns is crucial for targeting specific species.

Bait Your Way to Success

Fish bait, crafted from manila clams dug up on the beach, significantly increases the spawn rate of fish. Using bait strategically in the right location and during the right time of year is essential for consistently finding and catching the larger, rarer fish.

Patience and Precision

Once you spot a large shadow, approach carefully and cast your line so that the bobber lands directly in front of the fish. Watch closely for the fish to nibble at the bobber before fully biting. The controller will vibrate more intensely when the fish is hooked, giving you the signal to reel it in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What time of year can I catch sharks?

Sharks are predominantly available during the summer months. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is typically from June to September. In the Southern Hemisphere, sharks appear from December to March.

2. Do I need a special rod to catch big fish?

No, any fishing rod will work, including the flimsy fishing rod. However, upgrading to a more durable rod will reduce the likelihood of it breaking before you land your catch.

3. How much do sharks sell for?

The selling price of sharks varies depending on the species. The Great White Shark sells for a whopping 15,000 Bells.

4. What’s the best way to farm for rare fish like the Coelacanth?

The best way to farm for rare fish is to continuously craft and use fish bait in the appropriate location and during the appropriate time of year. For the Coelacanth, this means using fish bait in the ocean during the rain.

5. What is the rarest fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

Many consider the Coelacanth one of the rarest, due to its specific weather conditions. Other rare fish include the Stringfish, Golden Trout, Great White Shark, and Barreleye.

6. How do I know if a fish shadow is a shark or something else?

Shark shadows have a visible fin sticking out of the water. If you don’t see a fin, it’s likely not a shark, but potentially the Coelacanth.

7. Can I find big fish in rivers or ponds?

While rivers and ponds have their own unique fish species, the truly massive fish are exclusively found in the ocean.

8. Does C.J. pay more for sharks?

Yes! C.J. (the fishing tourney host) pays 150% more for fish than Timmy and Tommy at Nook’s Cranny. Saving your sharks for C.J. is a great way to maximize your profits.

9. What’s the difference between the different types of sharks?

The main differences are their appearance, selling price, and availability window. They all share the common trait of having a fin visible above the water.

10. Is it easier to catch big fish at night?

The time of day doesn’t significantly affect your chances of encountering large fish. However, some fish, like the Barreleye, are only available at night.

11. What should I do if I accidentally scare a fish away?

If you accidentally scare a fish away, simply move a short distance and wait for new shadows to spawn. Using fish bait can accelerate this process.

12. Are there any villagers who like fish as gifts?

Many villagers appreciate receiving fish as gifts! Experiment and see which ones react positively. Jock villagers, in particular, often enjoy fish.

13. What do the different fish shadow sizes mean in terms of rarity?

Larger shadow sizes often, but not always, indicate rarer or more valuable fish. However, some smaller fish can be incredibly rare.

14. Where can I learn more about game-based learning?

To learn more about how games can be used in learning, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website. You can also call the Games Learning Society at this number: (608) 444-1775. You can send mail to the Games Learning Society to this address: 1225 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53706.

15. Is Animal Crossing: New Horizons considered an educational game?

While not explicitly designed as an educational game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers numerous opportunities for learning. Players can learn about different animal species, develop resource management skills, practice social interaction, and express their creativity. The Games Learning Society explores these aspects of game-based learning in detail.

By mastering the art of identifying and catching these aquatic giants, you’ll transform from a casual islander into a true fishing pro! Good luck, and happy fishing!