Home / Science / Ocean's Oddball: Meet the Dumbest Fish
Ocean's Oddball: Meet the Dumbest Fish
26 Nov
Summary
- The Mola Mola, or sunfish, has a unique shape and slow movement.
- It possesses fused teeth forming a beak and eats low-nutritional jellyfish.
- The species is listed as vulnerable, facing significant population pressures.
The Mola Mola, often called the ocean sunfish, captivates with its unusual form and enigmatic behavior. This colossal fish, the heaviest bony fish on record, measures up to 11 feet and weighs as much as 2.5 tons. It navigates the waters with a unique propulsion system, using its dorsal and ventral fins to glide slowly, appearing almost as if assembled haphazardly.
Its anatomy is as peculiar as its movement. The sunfish matures without a tail fin, developing a rounded structure called a clavus. Possessing fused teeth that form a beak, its mouth never fully closes. Its diet primarily consists of jellyfish, which offer minimal nutritional value, necessitating large consumption to sustain its immense size.
Frequently observed near the surface, the Mola Mola may be sunbathing to warm up or positioning itself for parasite removal by seabirds. This species, despite its size, is classified as vulnerable, facing threats from natural predators and human activities, with declining population trends noted across temperate and tropical oceans.
