The ocean sunfish, despite its name, can weigh up to two tonnes and is often covered in parasites, including on its eyeballs. Host Sarika Cullis-Suzuki delves into the unique characteristics of the Mola mola, known as one of the largest and strangest fish in the world, in a recent episode of The Nature of Things 101.
Describing the fish as unconventional with its circular body, lack of a tail, and massive fins, Cullis-Suzuki showcases a life-size model to highlight the distinctive features of the ocean sunfish. These creatures, capable of traveling long distances and diving deep multiple times a day in search of food, are prone to attracting parasites due to their slow movement, large surface area, and traversal of various water zones.
The Mola mola is infested with parasites across its skin, gills, fins, eyeballs, mouth, and intestines, hosting a staggering 73 different parasite species, some of which have parasites themselves. To combat these infestations, sunfish breach the water, leaping and crashing back down, a behavior believed to help dislodge parasites. Additionally, they allow smaller fish and birds to feed on the parasites as a natural cleaning mechanism.
Despite existing knowledge about ocean sunfish, there remains much to be discovered about this fascinating species. Cullis-Suzuki emphasizes the need for further research and understanding of these enigmatic creatures. Viewers can catch The Nature of Things 101 on CBC Gem or The Nature of Things YouTube channel for more insights into the intriguing world of the Mola mola.
