The ocean sunfish, a massive creature weighing up to two tonnes and covered in parasites, including on its eyeballs, is explored in a fascinating episode of “The Nature of Things 101” hosted by Sarika Cullis-Suzuki. This unique fish, known as the Mola mola, defies traditional fish appearances with its circular body, lack of a tail, and enormous fins.
Cullis-Suzuki showcases the remarkable features of the Mola mola using a life-size model, highlighting its status as one of the largest fish in the sea and often overlooked species. These sunfish undertake extensive journeys, diving hundreds of meters multiple times daily in search of food. However, their slow movement, large surface area, and traversal through various water zones make them susceptible to parasites infestation.
A staggering 73 different parasite species have been identified on the Mola mola and other ocean sunfish varieties, some even hosting parasites themselves. To combat these parasites, sunfish employ unique tactics such as breaching out of the water and allowing smaller fish and birds to feed on the parasites.
Despite the existing knowledge about ocean sunfish, there remains much to be uncovered about this intriguing species, as emphasized by Cullis-Suzuki. For those curious to learn more, “The Nature of Things 101” can be watched on CBC Gem and The Nature of Things YouTube channel.