In the realm of marine life, the ocean sunfish stands out as a peculiar creature, defying conventional fish characteristics with its massive size of up to two tonnes and a body covered in parasites, including its eyeballs. Host Sarika Cullis-Suzuki explores the enigmatic world of the Mola mola, also known as the ocean sunfish, in a fascinating episode of The Nature of Things 101.
Cullis-Suzuki marvels at the distinct features of the ocean sunfish, highlighting its circular body, lack of a traditional tail, and enormous fins that set it apart from typical fish species. Through a life-size model, she showcases to co-host Anthony Morgan the unique attributes that make the Mola mola one of the largest and most underrated fish in the ocean.
Despite their impressive size and ability to travel long distances, diving hundreds of meters deep multiple times a day in search of food, ocean sunfish are plagued by parasites due to their slow movement, large surface area, and passage through various water layers. Cullis-Suzuki reveals the pervasive presence of parasites on the Mola mola, infesting its skin, gills, fins, eyeball, mouth, and intestine, with a staggering count of 73 different parasite species identified on these fish.
To combat these parasites, ocean sunfish employ unique tactics such as breaching, leaping out of the water and crashing back down, possibly to dislodge the unwanted hitchhikers. Additionally, they allow smaller fish and birds to feed on the parasites, aiding in parasite removal. Despite our current knowledge of these intriguing creatures, Cullis-Suzuki emphasizes the necessity for further research to fully comprehend the complexities of the ocean sunfish.
For those intrigued by the mysteries of the ocean sunfish, The Nature of Things 101 can be viewed on CBC Gem and the The Nature of Things YouTube channel.