Home / Environment / Giant Ocean Sunfish Surfaces Off Brighton Coast
Giant Ocean Sunfish Surfaces Off Brighton Coast
1 Jul
Summary
- An ocean sunfish weighing up to 5,000 pounds was photographed off Brighton.
- These fish can exceed 10 feet in length and lack a tail, using a clavus to steer.
- The vulnerable species is increasingly sighted in UK waters, possibly due to warming seas.
A remarkable encounter occurred on June 19 when an ocean sunfish was photographed approximately one mile off Brighton Marina. This colossal fish, known scientifically as Mola mola, can reach lengths of over 10 feet and weigh upwards of 5,000 pounds. It possesses a distinctive appearance, often described as a giant swimming head, and navigates without a tail, using a specialized fin called a clavus for steering.
Once considered the world's largest bony fish, it has since been surpassed by its relative, the southern sunfish. The ocean sunfish is classified as 'vulnerable' by the IUCN. Recent years have seen an increase in sightings within UK waters, a phenomenon that may be associated with warming sea temperatures, though these appearances remain relatively uncommon. A previous sighting near Shoreham Harbour was reported in July 2024.
