An ocean sunfish was pictured around one mile off Brighton Marina on June 19 by Kurt Lander of chartered fishing trip provider Yellowfin Charter Fishing.
Known for their size and distinctive shape, ocean sunfish, scientifically known as Mola mola, can grow more than ten feet long and weigh over 5,000 pounds.
The species lives largely on jellyfish and is often compared to a giant swimming head.
They have no tail and instead use a stiff fringe of skin, known as a clavus, to manoeuvre in water.
The name Mola means millstone in Latin, although the creature’s English name is derived from its tendency to rest on its side on the sea’s surface, supposedly basking in the sunshine.
The ocean sunfish was previously thought to be the largest bony fish in the world, but was recently found to be outstripped by its close relative the southern sunfish.
The species is listed as ‘vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Ocean sunfish have been recorded weighing more than 5,000 pounds (Image: U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Wikimedia Commons)
Sightings of the fish have increased in UK waters in recent years, potentially due to warming sea temperatures, but they remain an unusual visitor.
A separate Sussex sighting previously occurred in July 2024, when a man spotted a sunfish while fishing approximately one mile south west of Shoreham Harbour.
People on social media were quick to share their amazement at the sighting.
Kristy Sayer said: “Wow I’ve never seen one. How extraordinary.
“What a fascinating fish.”
Cam Beach added: “I didn’t know we had these in our waters.
“Always been fascinated by these things, they are so weird and alien.”