NEWS FEED
An ocean sunfish was found on the beach at Kimmeridge on 9 November and is possibly one of the first such strandings in Dorset.
Ocean sunfish*, Mola mola is the heaviest bony fish in the world, although the individual found at Kimmeridge was a juvenile measuring 12 inches long. The animals are very occasionally seen in Dorset during the summer months.
The discovery was made by Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Marine Awareness Officer, Julie Hatcher. She said, “I was thrilled to discover this animal on the beach – this is the first time I have ever found one. Although I would rather see them alive in the sea, it was a rare opportunity to have a really close look at what is a bizarre-looking fish.”
Ocean sunfish are generally found in oceanic waters around the world although little is known about them. Occasionally they come inshore to feed on jellyfish, their staple diet, and those venturing into The Channel and North Sea during the summer may get caught out when the sea temperature drops in winter.
Julie added, “The disc-shaped body, very tall dorsal and anal fins and the lack of a tail make this an unmistakable fish. I knew immediately that this was a very special find.”
The scientific name Mola mola means millstone and refers to the shape of the fish. The English name sunfish derives from its habit of basking on its side at the surface, possibly to warm up after diving at depth, or to allow seabirds to remove irritating parasites from its skin.
The specimen has been collected to further research into the species by Queen’s University, Belfast.
DWT would like to hear about your marine sightings in Dorset. Contact them on kimmeridge@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk or @dorsetwildlife (on Twitter) or facebook/dorsetwildlife (on Facebook). You can contact the DWT marine team on 01929 481044.
