What rare marine species was spotted in Cornwall, England?

A rare deep-sea wreckfish, a prehistoric species usually found in deep waters, was spotted off the coast of Cornwall for the first time in 20 years.

How did the sighting of the wreckfish raise concerns about climate change?

Marine scientists believe the appearance of the wreckfish and other unusual marine life in Cornwall, such as the ocean sunfish, may be a result of changing water conditions due to climate change, which could be pushing deep-sea species closer to shore.

What other unusual marine life sightings have been reported in Cornwall this year?

In addition to the wreckfish, Cornwall has seen sightings of locusts, praying mantises, and odd-looking sea slugs, as well as the capture of an ocean sunfish, the world's largest bony fish, near the fishing port of Padstow.

Home / Environment / Rare Deep-Sea Fish Spotted Off Cornwall Coast, Sparking Climate Change Concerns

Rare Deep-Sea Fish Spotted Off Cornwall Coast, Sparking Climate Change Concerns

11 Nov

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Summary

Wreckfish, a rare deep-sea fish, spotted off Cornwall coast for first time in 20 years
Sightings of unusual marine life, including ocean sunfish, in Cornwall this year
Marine scientists say these rare appearances may reflect changing water conditions due to climate change

Rare Deep-Sea Fish Spotted Off Cornwall Coast, Sparking Climate Change Concerns

On November 11, 2025, a rare deep-sea fish has been spotted off the southwestern coast of England for the first time in two decades, sparking concerns about the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. The sighting of a wreckfish, a prehistoric species usually found in deep waters, near the village of Lamorna in Cornwall has raised questions about shifting patterns in the region's rich marine life.

Diver Charles Hood, who has filmed sharks in Cornish waters for over 20 years, came face-to-face with the massive 7-foot-long wreckfish while swimming with blue sharks. According to Hood, deep-sea anglers sometimes catch these rare fish well offshore, but seeing one near the surface is highly unusual.