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OCEANIC SUNFISH

Mola mola

OCEANIC SUNFISH: MONTEREY BAY'S MAJESTIC MARINE MARVELS.

Oceanic Sunfish, also commonly called by their scientific name, Mola mola, are renowned for their peculiar appearance and massive size. These ocean giants, with their unique flattened bodies and impressive dorsal fins, are the biggest bony fish.

Despite their enormous size, they possess a gentle demeanor, often seen lounging at the water’s surface, basking in the warmth of the sun and acting as a landing pad for Gulls. Due to the slow nature of the Oceanic Sunfish they can host around 54 species of parasites. Their main survival tactic and adaptation is reproduction, they release 300 million eggs during their mating season, only a handful of these baby Oceanic Sunfish will survive to adulthood as species such as California Sea Lions and Killer Whales will eat or play with this species for fun, often leaving them without fins.


Diet

Jellies, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans

Population Status | Monterey

Vulnerable

Legal Protection

National Marine Protected Area Act

Threats

Fin Damage (From Sea Lions and Killer Whales), Parasites, Bycatch, Biotoxin (Algal Blooms), Disease, Human Related Loss (Climate Change, Disturbance, Entanglement, Harassment, Oil Spills, Pollution, Boat Strikes, Collisions)

Size

7-8ft (Unisex)

Weight

2,200 lb (Unisex)