Fin's Fish Guide
The Ocean sunfish (Mola mola) is a saltwater fish of the family Molidae that grows up to 333 cm.
Worldwide in tropical, subtropical and temperate oceans, including the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea; oceanic.
Description
The ocean sunfish is a gigantic, disc-shaped oceanic fish of the family Molidae that can grow more than 3 metres tall and is among the heaviest bony fish in the world. The strongly compressed, greyish body ends abruptly behind the tall dorsal and anal fins; instead of a true tail it bears a wavy skin flap (clavus). The sunfish lives oceanically in warm and temperate seas worldwide, including the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. It feeds mainly on jellyfish and other gelatinous plankton, diving deep to do so; at the surface it often lies on its side to warm up. Through bycatch, plastic and boat collisions the species is assessed as Vulnerable (VU).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ocean sunfish?
The Ocean sunfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Giant, disc-shaped fish that ends abruptly behind the tall dorsal and anal fin; it lacks a true tail and instead has a wavy skin fold (clavus). One of the heaviest bony fishes.
Where does the Ocean sunfish live?
The Ocean sunfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Worldwide in tropical, subtropical and temperate oceans, including the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea; oceanic.
How big does the Ocean sunfish get?
The Ocean sunfish grows to a maximum of about 333 cm.
Is the Ocean sunfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Ocean sunfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Ocean sunfish edible?
The Ocean sunfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Ocean sunfish and live in the same waters.
Want the complete picture on the Ocean sunfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ocean sunfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Molidae
Want the complete picture on the Ocean sunfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ocean sunfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.