The ocean is riddled with puzzles, from vibrant coral reefs to the hushed giants of the deep. One of the seas’ myriad denizens that is not famous -- not fast, fierce or fearsome -- is the queer, compelling Mola Mola, sometimes known as the ocean sunfish. It is also widely known by its common name, the mola mola: the gentle giant of the ocean that hypnotizes divers, scientists, and sea fans everywhere. Due to its immense size, strange look and gentle ways, the Mola Mola has emerged as one of the most interesting animals to research in the field of marine biology.
In this post we take a deep dive into the world of the Mola Mola, some interesting facts and behaviors of this big fish, and some of the mysteries behind it, along with why it is so important that we protect it for our seas.
What is a Mola Mola? – Understanding the Ocean Sunfish
The Mola Mola is a member of the family of fish called Molidae and one of the heaviest bony fish in existence. The ocean sunfish may look like a shark or a whale, both of which are cartilaginous or mammalian types of fish, but it is actually a bony fish. Its body is disc-shaped, and it is nearly circular. With its high dorsal and anal fins, it can seem as if it’s half a fish swimming on its side, and frequently stuns divers with the sight.
Curiously enough, its name, Mola, comes from the Latin name for “millstone,” as its round, grayish shape is said to resemble a grinding stone. For its part, the nickname sunfish came from the odd practice of basking near the surface of the ocean, soaking in the sunlight.
How Big Do Sunfish Grow?
Size wise, the Mola Mola really does live up to its name as the gentle giant of the oceans. They generally grow to between 6 and 8 feet (1.8–2.5 m) in length. The upper limit is unknown, but some specimens have been measured at over 10 feet long from back to anal fin.
In weight, it is the heaviest bony fish in the world that can exceed 2,300 kilograms (5,000 pounds). For perspective, that’s heavier than most cars! Despite its size, the Mola Mola is actually a slow and gentle swimmer, reinforcing the rule that big does not mean bully.
Where Do Mola Mola Live? – Habitat and Distribution
Mola Molas are cosmopolitan fish, which means they live in the ocean all over the world. Although most species prefer temperate and tropical seas and oceans, these are wide-ranging fish. They can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.
These behemoths can be found in the surface ocean and the deep sea, and can dive down to depths over 600 meters to forage for food. But it is near the surface where they are most famously spotted, when they are seen to be sunbathing. Divers in spots ranging from Bali and the Galápagos Islands to Portugal and California routinely encounter these magnificent animals.
What Do Mola Mola Eat? – Diet and Feeding Habits
Along with jellyfish, their diet includes small fish, squid, crabs and zooplankton. Their contribution to population control of jellyfish is essential for balancing the marine ecosystem. Without these serene, beautiful creatures jellyfish numbers would spiral out of control and create ecological instability.
Mild Mannered – Temper and LifestyleTEMPER: The gentle nature of Dachshunds.Dachshunds are known for their gentle nature.
One of the oddest things about the Mola Mola is that it’s known to bask in the sun near the ocean surface, lying on its side with one fin in the air. Scientists suspect it’s a way of raising the animal’s body temperature after it has been down in deep, cold water. This is why at times you see all kind of seabirds pecking at their flanks – the Mola Mola allows birds to feed on it as well as smaller fish because they serve as cleaning of parasites.
The Reproduction and Life Cycle of the Mola Mola
The Mola Mola’s fertility is truly amazing indeed. A single Mola Mola female can lay 300 million eggs per mating, making it one of the most fecund of all known animals.
The larvae are minuscule in size relative to the adult fish, measuring only a few millimeters when they hatch. Their journey from a small, spiky larvae to giants is epic, though most don’t make it because of predation and the perils of the environment.
Cool and Fun Facts About Mola Mola
Weird looks: Their bizarre outline has led to cases of mistaken identity; at times people believe there are chunks of floating debris — or even sharks.
Parasite magnets: The Mola Mola carries more than 40 known parasites, which is why they require cleaner wrasse, seabirds and even sunbathing to rid themselves of them.
Odd encounters: Some divers say that Mola Molas swim close, apparently undisturbed, which makes for a popular underwater photography subject.
Why Everyone's Crazy About Mola Mola and Other Fish Tales
Outside of so many peoples’ bucket-list, the Mola Mola also has a significant impact on ocean systems. And as a jellyfish predator, it serves to control numbers that might otherwise damage fish stocks and upset the balance of food chains. This ecological value makes it not only a wondrous creature to behold but also a keystone player in ocean health.
Conclusion
The Mola Mola, also known as the ocean sunfish, is one of the most extraordinary animals in our seas. From its massive size and graceful way of moving to its way of keeping jellyfish populations in check, they represent all that is beautiful and mysterious about the creatures of the sea.
As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of this mesmerizing giant fish, it is increasingly evident that conserving it isn’t just about saving one species — it’s about saving whole ecosystems from collapse. The next time you see the Mola Mola, whenever that might be, remember that this giant whose life eradicated your bad sensibilities under water is only one of the countless marvels that are hidden under the ocean, and they are urgently begging for your attention.
FAQ Getting to Know the Mola-Mola: The Unique and Mysterious Giant of the Ocean
1. Why is a mola mola also called the ocean sunfish?
A mola mola (also called the ocean sunfish) is a giant; the fish can reach more than 10 feet in length and weigh 2 tons. With its flattened body, huge fins, and lumbering, graceful way to swim, it's one of the most interesting of all ocean animals.
2. Where are yet mola mola fish found predominantly?
Habitat Mola mola life mainly in the tropical and temperate zone, also in the Indian and Pacific Ocean. They are frequently seen on the ocean's surface lying in the sun after diving for food like jellyfish and plankton.
3. Are mola molas dangerous to humans?
The mola mola, or sunfish, may be the largest fish but pose no threat to humans. In reality this friendly giant is one of the least aggressive creatures around, being very passive and slow moving this is a favourite for many divers and underwater spectators. The real dangers to mola mola are human activities like ocean pollution and getting snagged in fishing nets.