The ocean sunfish, a creature weighing up to two tonnes and covered in parasites, may not fit the typical image of a fish. In a recent episode of “The Nature of Things 101,” host Sarika Cullis-Suzuki delves into the unique characteristics of this peculiar fish.
Cullis-Suzuki expresses admiration for the ocean sunfish, highlighting its unconventional appearance with a large circular body, absence of a tail, and massive fins. Through a life-size model, she showcases to co-host Anthony Morgan what makes the Mola mola, a type of ocean sunfish and among the largest fish in the ocean, so fascinating.
These fish are known for their extensive travels, navigating deep waters multiple times a day in search of food. However, their slow movement, large body surface, and passage through various water layers make them susceptible to parasites.
Cullis-Suzuki reveals that the Mola mola is infested with parasites across its body, including the skin, gills, fins, eyeballs, mouth, and intestines. Research has identified 73 different parasite species on the Mola mola and other ocean sunfish varieties, some of which host parasites themselves.
To combat these parasites, the sunfish resort to breaching behavior, leaping out of the water and crashing back down, possibly to dislodge parasites. They also allow smaller fish and birds to feed on the parasites infesting them.
Despite existing knowledge about the ocean sunfish, much remains to be explored about this species, emphasizing the need for further research, as highlighted by Cullis-Suzuki.
For more insights, viewers can watch “The Nature of Things 101” on CBC Gem or visit “The Nature of Things” YouTube channel.
