The ocean sunfish, a massive creature weighing up to two tonnes and infested with parasites, may not fit the typical image of a fish. In a detailed exploration on The Nature of Things 101, Sarika Cullis-Suzuki delves into the unique characteristics of what could be the world’s most peculiar fish.
Describing the Mola mola, a type of ocean sunfish and one of the largest in the sea, Cullis-Suzuki showcases its unconventional features, including a circular body, lack of a tail, and massive fins. Despite their ability to travel long distances and dive deep for food, these fish are plagued by parasites due to their slow movement, large surface area, and passage through various water zones.
Cullis-Suzuki reveals the extent of parasitic infestation on the Mola mola, with 73 different parasite species identified on these fish. Surprisingly, some parasites even host their own parasites. To combat this infestation, sunfish employ tactics like breaching out of the water and allowing smaller fish and birds to feed on the parasites.
Despite existing knowledge about ocean sunfish, there remains much to uncover about this enigmatic species. Cullis-Suzuki emphasizes the need for further research and understanding. For a closer look at the ocean sunfish, viewers can tune in to The Nature of Things 101 on CBC Gem or the The Nature of Things YouTube channel.