Spate of rare tropical fish sightings on north Norfolk beaches
The ocean sunfish on Blakeney Point, spotted by Ajay Tegala, coastal ranger for the National Trust on the north Norfolk coast. Picture: AJAY TEGALA - Credit: Archant
Nature lovers are surprised at a spate of tropical fish sightings on the north Norfolk coast over the New Year period.
Washed up dead ocean sunfish, known as mola mola, have been spotted on Blakeney Point, Cley and Holkham and Sheringham beaches.
Identified by its distinctive fins, Mola Mola prefer water over 13C - the water around Blakeney Point is around 7C.
The last time this particular fish was spotted on Cley beach and Blakeney Point was two and three years ago, respectively.
A giant sunfish was washed up on Overstrand beach in 2012 and another mola mola was spotted on Sea Palling beach in 2010.
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Ajay Tegala, coastal ranger for the National Trust on the north Norfolk coast, saw the rare fish which was just under one metre long by the lifeboat house on Blakeney Point this month.
He said: 'It was a bit of a surprise because it was the first time I have seen one. It is not something you commonly see.
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'I wouldn't be surprised if we see more fish like this because we are getting more species in our waters.'
A sunfish was spotted on Sheringham beach before Christmas and another was seen on Cley beach on December 21.
At the start of this year there were sightings on Holkham beach on January 3, Blakeney beach on January 4 and the Blakeney Point lifeboat house on January 8.
Christine Pitcher, display supervisor at Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre, said the fish off north Norfolk could have been blown off course from warmer waters.
She said: 'It could be down to strong currents or wind. We could have more sightings of this kind of fish if the waters warm up or currents change. Mola mola are fairly rare around the UK and especially rare around north Norfolk because the sea is not warm at this time of year.'
If anyone spots a sunfish they should not touch it and if one is spotted around Blakeney Point area they should call 01263 740241.
Have you got a nature story? Email sophie.wyllie@archant.co.uk
