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Mola mola
They are known as Sunfish and also moonfish. They are known to come up to the surface of the ocean, swimming flat on their side as though they are taking sun bathing. hence their name. And the name Moonfish relates to the rounded shape of their body. Mola mola is the biggest/heaviest bony fish in the world, weighing up to 1,000 kg and measuring 3 meters in length and 4 meters in height from fin to fin!
They are deep water fishes, comfortable with cold waters in the depth. But during the months of August - October, where the oceanic currents bring cold water nearer to the surface, they can be reliably seen in the shallower waters in Bali, specifically coming up to get cleaned by Angelfishes and Butterflyfishes.
Pic#1 shows the majestic size of the fish, nearly 3 meters height from fin to fin Pic#2 shows their flat body profile Pic#3 is close up, showing some patterns/markings on the body.
Spotted on Sep 2, 2015
Submitted on Jun 10, 2016
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