The ocean sunfish, despite its name, is a fascinating creature that can weigh up to two tonnes and is often adorned with parasites, including on its eyeballs. In a recent episode of “The Nature of Things 101,” Sarika Cullis-Suzuki delves into the peculiarities of this unique fish, which defies conventional fish appearances with its circular body, lack of a tail, and enormous fins.
Cullis-Suzuki showcases a life-size model to co-host Anthony Morgan, highlighting the distinctive features of the Mola mola, a type of ocean sunfish and one of the largest fish in the ocean. These fish are renowned for their long-distance travels, venturing hundreds of meters deep multiple times a day in search of food. However, their slow movement, large surface area, and passage through various water zones make them prime targets for parasites.
The Mola mola is plagued by parasites across its skin, gills, fins, eyeballs, mouth, and intestines, with researchers identifying 73 different parasite species on these fish. Some parasites even carry their own parasites. To combat this infestation, sunfish employ unique tactics such as breaching, where they leap out of the water and crash back down, potentially to dislodge parasites. Additionally, these fish permit smaller fish and birds to feed on the parasites residing on their bodies.
Despite the existing knowledge about ocean sunfish, there remains a significant need for further research on this enigmatic species. Cullis-Suzuki emphasizes that there is still much to uncover about these intriguing creatures. For those intrigued by this topic, “The Nature of Things 101” can be viewed on CBC Gem or The Nature of Things YouTube channel.