The ocean sunfish (Mola mola), known in Maltese as pixxiluna or pixxitanbur, was recently spotted off Malta’s south-east coast, delighting marine enthusiasts.

This extraordinary species holds several records, including its staggering size; adults can weigh over three tons and its unparalleled reproductive capacity, with females capable of producing up to 300 million eggs in a single clutch, a feat listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

Despite its bulk, the sunfish is a gentle giant, gliding through open waters and often seen basking near the surface. Encounters in Maltese waters, while not unheard of, are always special, offering a glimpse of the rich biodiversity of the Mediterranean.

What an amazing sighting!