The Tanned and Super Tanned mutations are some of the most important Fish Fest 2026 mutations, especially if you’re working on mutation-related quests such as Crabby Coconut objectives. While both mutations can be obtained through multiple methods, some are significantly better than others.
This guide explains the fastest and most reliable ways to get both mutations.
How to Get Tanned Mutation
There are currently three known methods for obtaining the Tanned mutation.
Method 1: Tropical Sun Weather
The best and most reliable method is fishing during Tropical Sun weather.
While Tropical Sun is active, fish have a chance to receive the Tanned mutation automatically when caught.
Estimated Chance:
- Around 15% for Tanned
Because of the relatively high chance, this is the recommended method for most players.
Method 2: Sunhat Starfish Companion
The Sunhat Starfish companion can also grant Fish Fest 2 mutations, including Tanned.
To unlock this companion, you must complete all Captain Conquests during the Fish Fest event.
Estimated Chance:
- Around 10% for Tanned
Although slightly lower than Tropical Sun weather, it remains one of the most effective options.
Method 3: Appraisal
You can technically obtain Tanned through appraisal, but the odds are extremely low.
Estimated Chance:
- Around 0.002%
Due to the poor odds, appraisal is generally not recommended unless you have a massive amount of coins available.
How to Get Super Tanned Mutation
Super Tanned is much rarer than the standard Tanned mutation.
Method 1: Tropical Sun Weather
Just like the normal Tanned mutation, Tropical Sun weather can also produce Super Tanned fish.
Estimated Chance:
- Around 1%
This remains one of the best methods currently available.
Method 2: Sunhat Starfish Companion
The Sunhat Starfish companion can also grant Super Tanned mutations.
Estimated Chance:
- Around 1%
Because the mutation is naturally rare, expect to spend significantly more time farming compared to normal Tanned.
Method 3: Appraisal
Super Tanned can appear through appraisal, but the odds are practically nonexistent.
Estimated Chance:
- Around 0.000025%
Most players would need an enormous amount of coins before seeing this mutation through appraisal alone.
For this reason, appraisal should not be considered a realistic farming strategy.
How the Sunhat Starfish Companion Works
Many players misunderstand the companion’s mutation bonus.
The Sunhat Starfish provides:
- +20% Fish Fest 2 mutation chance
- Up to +35% at maximum level
However, this bonus is not applied to a single mutation.
Instead, the bonus is distributed across the entire Fish Fest 2 mutation pool.
Since there are roughly 15 or more Fish Fest 2 mutations available, the companion improves your overall chances but does not specifically target Tanned or Super Tanned.
Best Farming Strategy
For the highest chances:
- Wait for Tropical Sun weather.
- Equip the Sunhat Starfish companion.
- Fish continuously during the weather event.
- Avoid spending large amounts of coins on appraisal.
This combination provides the best available odds for both Tanned and Super Tanned mutations.
Is Tanned Easier Than Super Tanned?
Yes.
Tanned is significantly easier to obtain due to its much higher drop rate.
Approximate comparison:
- Tanned: 10%–15% chance through recommended methods.
- Super Tanned: Around 1% chance through recommended methods.
As a result, expect Super Tanned to take considerably longer to farm.
If you’re trying to complete Fish Fest 2026 quests that require Tanned or Super Tanned fish, focus on Tropical Sun weather and use the Sunhat Starfish companion whenever possible. These are currently the most efficient methods available.
Avoid relying on appraisal, as the mutation rates are extremely low and can quickly drain your coin reserves without producing results.