Fin's Fish Guide
The Dwarf sunfish (Ranzania laevis) is a saltwater fish of the family Molidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
The slender sunfish is a sunfish (Molidae) from the open ocean. Unlike its rounded relatives it has an elongate, strongly laterally compressed body without a true tail fin, with a small, beak-like, toothless mouth. It is an oceanic, epipelagic fish that usually lives solitarily. It feeds on planktonic crustaceans, jellyfish, small squids and other soft prey. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dwarf sunfish?
The Dwarf sunfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Oblong sunfish without a true caudal fin and with a small, toothless mouth; oceanic plankton and jellyfish eater.
Where does the Dwarf sunfish live?
The Dwarf sunfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Open ocean; epipelagic.
How big does the Dwarf sunfish get?
The Dwarf sunfish grows to a maximum of about 100 cm.
Is the Dwarf sunfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Dwarf sunfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Dwarf sunfish edible?
The Dwarf sunfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Dwarf sunfish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Molidae
Want the complete picture on the Dwarf sunfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Dwarf sunfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.