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SWFSC » Fishes » Ocean sunfish

(10 objects, created 9/29/2010)

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Album: This is a private album that is not visible to anonymous users Ocean sunfish

Summary: The ocean sunfish, Mola mola, is the heaviest known bony fish in the world. Adults average 6 feet in length and weigh approximately 2,200 pounds, and the heaviest known fish reached just over 5,000 pounds. Ocean sunfish are found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide. This unusual looking fish is flattened laterally and can often be found basking on the surface of the water. Sunfish feed primarily on jellyfish, and must consume a large volume to attain such large body sizes.

Although Southwest Fisheries Science Center does not do any direct research on ocean sunfish, they are occasionally encountered during our research cruises. When this occurs, their length and width are measured, and they are sometimes tagged to learn more about their movements.

For more information visit the Large Pelagics Program of the Fisheries Resources Division.

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Ocean sunfish Mola molaKey words: Ocean sunfish, Mola molaContact: SWFSC Large Pelagics Program

Ocean sunfish

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Ocean sunfish Mola molaKey words: Ocean sunfish, Mola molaContact: SWFSC Large Pelagics Program

Ocean sunfish

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Ocean sunfish Mola mola This adult ocean sunfish was caught on a longline during the 2007 Juvenile Shark Survey near the Channel Islands. The sunfish was measured, tagged, and released. Date: 27 July 2007 Key words: Ocean sunfish, Mola molaContact: SWFSC Large Pelagics Program

Ocean sunfish

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Ocean sunfish Mola mola This adult ocean sunfish was caught on a longline during the 2006 Juvenile Shark Survey near the Channel Islands. The sunfish was measured, tagged, and released. Date: 6 July 2006 Key words: Ocean sunfish, Mola molaContact: SWFSC Large Pelagics Program

Ocean sunfish

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Ocean sunfish Mola mola This adult ocean sunfish was caught on a longline during the 2006 Juvenile Shark Survey near the Channel Islands. The sunfish was measured, tagged, and released. Date: 6 July 2006 Key words: Ocean sunfish, Mola molaContact: SWFSC Large Pelagics Program

Ocean sunfish

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Ocean sunfish Mola mola This adult ocean sunfish was caught on a longline during the 2009 Juvenile Shark Survey near the Channel Islands. The sunfish was measured, tagged, and released. Date: 21 August 2009 Key words: Ocean sunfish, Mola molaContact: SWFSC Large Pelagics Program

Ocean sunfish

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Ocean sunfish Mola mola This adult ocean sunfish was caught on a longline during the 2009 Juvenile Shark Survey near the Channel Islands. The sunfish is lifted aboard the boat in this cradle, where scientists quickly and safely take measurements and affix tags. The fish is then lowered back into the water where it swims away. Date: 21 August 2009 Key words: Ocean sunfish, Mola molaContact: SWFSC Large Pelagics Program

Ocean sunfish

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Ocean sunfish Mola mola This adult ocean sunfish was caught on a longline during the 2009 Juvenile Shark Survey near the Channel Islands. The sunfish is lifted aboard the boat in this cradle, where scientists quickly and safely take measurements and affix tags. The fish is then lowered back into the water where it swims away. Date: 21 August 2009 Key words: Ocean sunfish, Mola molaContact: SWFSC Large Pelagics Program

Ocean sunfish

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Ocean sunfish Mola mola This adult ocean sunfish was caught on a longline during the 2009 Juvenile Shark Survey near the Channel Islands. The sunfish is lifted aboard the boat in this cradle, where scientists quickly and safely take measurements and affix tags. The fish is then lowered back into the water where it swims away. Date: 21 August 2009 Key words: Ocean sunfish, Mola molaContact: SWFSC Large Pelagics Program

Ocean sunfish

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Ocean sunfish Mola mola This adult ocean sunfish was caught on a longline during the 2009 Juvenile Shark Survey near the Channel Islands. The sunfish is being lowered back into the water after measurements were made. Date: 21 August 2009 Key words: Ocean sunfish, Mola molaContact: SWFSC Large Pelagics Program

Ocean sunfish

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