The ocean sunfish, a creature weighing up to two tonnes and covered in parasites, may not fit the typical image of a fish. In a recent episode of The Nature of Things 101, host Sarika Cullis-Suzuki explores the unique characteristics of this fish, known as the Mola mola.
Cullis-Suzuki highlights the unconventional features of the ocean sunfish, such as its circular body, lack of a tail, and enormous fins, making it stand out from traditional fish species. Using a life-size model, she showcases the underrated qualities of the Mola mola, one of the largest fish in the sea.
Despite their impressive size and ability to travel long distances, diving deep multiple times a day in search of food, ocean sunfish are susceptible to parasites due to their slow movement and large surface area. Cullis-Suzuki reveals that these fish harbor a variety of parasites, including on their skin, gills, fins, eyeballs, mouth, and intestines, totaling 73 different species, some with parasites of their own.
To combat these parasites, sunfish employ unique strategies like breaching out of the water and allowing smaller fish and birds to feed on the parasites. However, there is still much to discover about these fascinating creatures, emphasizing the need for further research.
Cullis-Suzuki emphasizes that despite our current knowledge, the ocean sunfish remains a species that warrants additional investigation. Viewers are encouraged to watch The Nature of Things 101 on CBC Gem and The Nature of Things YouTube channel for more insights into this intriguing fish.