A photographer in South Australia on Friday captured mesmerizing footage of a giant ocean sunfish lolling beyond the waves along the Eyre Peninsula.
"A massive Sunfish this morning at Sleaford [Bay], first time I’ve ever seen one of these gentle giants," Ocean Apex Co described via Instagram.
The scene opens with a glimpse of the sunfish and its proximity to the coast, as an offshore wind sends water droplets cascading over the oblong creature.
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Ocean sunfish are beloved around the world because of their size and alien-like appearance, and their docile nature.
Sightings are rare in many regions because sunfish are typically found far offshore, where they feed on sea jellies.
According to the Australian Museum, the Mola mola is the largest of five types of ocean sunfish found in Australia. It can measure 10 feet in diameter and weigh more than 5,000 pounds.
"In fact, the name Mola comes from the Latin word for millstone and refers to the rounded shape of the fish,” the museum explains on its website.
Ocean sunfish are sometimes mistaken for sharks because of their large dorsal fins.
Ocean Apex Co typically posts footage of sharks in Sleaford Bay, but on Friday the sunfish post was outperforming his recent shark posts in terms of viewership.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Mesmerizing footage shows massive sunfish lolling in surf zone
