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Sunfish/Common mola
Mola mola
The largest of all bony fish, the ocean sunfish may reach over 3m (10ft) in length. A placid fish, it is found in surface waters where it follows the ocean currents.
Statistics
The sunfish is the largest boned fish. It can reach a maximum length of about 3.3m (11ft) and weigh 1,900kg (4,000lb).
Physical Description
Mola is Latin for millstone, describing the sunfish's round, flattened shape. This bizarre fish has a large, blunt head and an indistinct tail. The triangular dorsal and anal fins stick out, top and bottom. Their small mouth is characterised by fused teeth forming a parrot-like 'beak'.
They are related to pufferfish, and play host to an amazing array of parasites.
Distribution
They are found in all oceans, except the polar seas.
Habitat
Sunfish usually occur in the open sea, often at the surface.
Diet
They feed extensively on jellyfishes and other soft-bodied invertebrates.
Behaviour
A gentle, curious fish, they often float on their sides in surface waters, sunbathing. They swim upright, using the doral and anal fins like a pendulum. They are sometimes mistaken for sharks, as the dorsal fin may stick out of the water.
Reproduction
Sunfish produce millions of very small eggs (a 1.5m female was found to have some 300 million eggs within her). The larvae are small and very spiky - like tiny pincushions. The spines disappear with age.
Conservation status
They are not on the IUCN Red List and are only of minor commercial value.
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