A RARE discovery made on the Purbeck coast has intrigued experts.

An ocean sunfish found on the beach at Kimmeridge is possibly one of the first such strandings in Dorset, according to Dorset Wildlife Trust.

The species is the heaviest bony fish in the world, although the one found at Kimmeridge on Wednesday was a juvenile measuring 12 inches long. They are very occasionally seen in Dorset during the summer months.

The discovery was made by Dorset Wildlife Trust’s marine awareness officer, Julie Hatcher, who 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 aid further research into the species by Queen’s University, Belfast.

DWT would like to hear about your marine sightings in Dorset. Contact kimmeridge@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk or @dorsetwildlife on Twitter or facebook/dorsetwildlife. Contact the DWT marine team on 01929 481044.