A Sunfish, or Mola Mola, to use its official title, has been found washed up on an island beach.
The species was last sighted in Manx waters in 2024, but appearances are becoming increasingly frequent along the UK’s coastlines. However, they are categorised as a tropical and temperate fish, so are more likely to be spotted in the summer months.
A picture of the fish was posted on Facebook.
As climate change occurs, and sea temperatures rise, it is expected that the striking animal will become more and more common.
A Big Old Beast
Sunfish are the largest species of boney fish on the planet, and can grow up to three meters in length while weighing in at over a tonne. For comparison, that is roughly the same as a hatchback car or two grand pianos.
They can often be found sunbathing on the surface of the water, hence the name, to warm up after diving for food.
It’s diet consists largely of jellyfish, which is widely speculated to be the reason for its rogue appearance in the Irish Sea, alongside seafloor crustaceans.
Manx Wildlife Trust are aware of the sighting, but are yet to comment.