The ocean sunfish, a creature that can weigh up to two tonnes and is infested with parasites, including on its eyeballs, may not fit the typical image of a fish. In a special feature titled “The Nature of Things 101,” Sarika Cullis-Suzuki explores the peculiarities of what could be considered the world’s most bizarre fish.
Describing the ocean sunfish, Cullis-Suzuki highlights its unconventional appearance, featuring a large circular body, lack of a tail, and massive fins. Through a life-size model, she showcases the unique characteristics of the Mola mola, a species of ocean sunfish renowned for its size.
Despite their ability to travel long distances and dive deep in search of food multiple times a day, these fish are prone to parasites due to their slow movement, large surface area, and traversing various water zones, as explained by Cullis-Suzuki. The Mola mola is plagued by parasites on its skin, gills, fins, eyeballs, mouth, and intestine, with researchers identifying 73 different parasite species infesting the fish and other ocean sunfish varieties, some of which have parasites of their own.
To combat these parasites, ocean sunfish engage in breaching behavior, leaping out of the water and slamming back down, possibly to dislodge the parasites. Additionally, they permit smaller fish and birds to feed on the parasites infesting them. Despite the existing knowledge about these creatures, there is much more to uncover about the ocean sunfish, emphasizing the need for further research and study.
For those interested in learning more about these fascinating creatures, “The Nature of Things 101” can be watched on CBC Gem and “The Nature of Things” YouTube channel.