Ocean sunfish are also called "Mola Mola," which in Latin means a "millstone." The name has been given due to the creature's gray color, round body, and rough texture.
Nishida, "Multiplex PCR-based genotyping of mitochondrial DNA from two species of
ocean sunfish from the genus Mola (Tetraodontiformes: Molidae) found in Japanese waters," Japanese Journal of Ichthyology, vol.
This species resembles with
ocean sunfish (Mola mola) and differs mainly in the shape and structure of the tail.
Divers in Musandam have reported sighting the
Ocean Sunfish or Common Sunfish, scientifically referred to as Mola Mola.
otters and delicate jellies, to powerful sharks, elusive octopus, and giant
ocean sunfish. Members will discover a million-gallon indoor ocean, viewed through the largest window on Earth, a towering three-story kelp forest, and jewel box exhibits that reveal the delicate beauty of smaller sea creatures.
Birmingham records another first, as this
ocean sunfish - famed for its bullet-proof exterior - goes on display in the National Sealife Centre.
Though some visitors may be more thrilled by the sharks or the huge, round
ocean sunfish slowly cruising the tank, others will be mesmerized by the school of 80 big yellowfin tuna that flash and dart like synchronized swimmers.
To gain a better understanding, an international research team - funded through the Natural Environment Research Council's Oceans 2025 programme - attached electronic tags to 55 individual fish from 14 different species of shark, tuna, jellyfish, billfish and
ocean sunfish.
Looking at the photos from the past of the huge
ocean sunfish and sawfish really made me appreciate how far we as sportsmen and stewards of our resources have come since the old days of keeping a fish only for the purpose of pictures and bragging rights.
I liked the article on
ocean sunfish (molas) in your September 1999 issue.
Species that were previously known from more southern climes have appeared in Alaska including Pacific white-sided dolphins, albacore and yellow-fin tuna, and
ocean sunfish, and herring spawned earlier than ever before.
Could you come see what it is?" This guy had jumped in the water and tied a rope around a 500-pound-plus Mola mola, popularly known as the
ocean sunfish. Over the years I compiled enough sunfish records for the Indian River Lagoon to note that, if they end up in the Lagoon, it usually is in the spring or early summer, meaning coastal currents carry them adjacent to the narrow ocean inlets where tidal velocities are sufficient to suck them into the Lagoon.
