Ocean Sunfish (Mola) | National Geographic

AnimalsReferenceCommon Name: Ocean Sunfish (Mola)Scientific Name: Mola molaType: FishDiet: OmnivoreGroup Name: SchoolAverage Life Span In Captivity: Up to 10 yearsSize: 11 feetWeight: Up to 2.5 tonsSize relative to a 6-ft man: IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable LCNTVUENCREWEX Least Concern Extinct Current Population Trend: DecreasingAs gigantic as the ocean sunfish can be, it still seems like only half a fish.Unique TraitsSunfish, or mola, develop their truncated, bullet-like shape because the back fin which they are born with simply never grows. Instead, it folds into itself as the enormous creature matures, creating a rounded rudder called a clavus. Mola in Latin means "millstone" and describes the ocean sunfish’s somewhat circular shape. They are a silvery color and have a rough skin texture.Mola are found in temperate and tropical oceans around the world. They are frequently seen basking in the sun near the surface and are often mistaken for sharks when their huge dorsal fins emerge...