The ocean sunfish, a creature that can weigh up to two tonnes and is often covered in parasites, even on its eyeballs, may not fit the typical fish image. In a detailed exploration on “The Nature of Things 101,” host Sarika Cullis-Suzuki delves into the unique characteristics of what could be considered the world’s strangest fish.
Cullis-Suzuki expresses her fascination with the fish’s unconventional appearance, highlighting its large circular body, lack of a tail, and enormous fins. Through a life-size model, she showcases to co-host Anthony Morgan the distinctive features of the Mola mola, a type of ocean sunfish and one of the largest fish in the ocean.
Known for traveling long distances and diving hundreds of meters deep multiple times a day in search of food, these fish are prone to attracting parasites due to their slow movement, large surface area, and traversal through different water zones.
The ocean sunfish is infested with parasites throughout its body, including the skin, gills, fins, eyeballs, mouth, and intestines. Researchers have identified 73 different parasite species on the Mola mola and other ocean sunfish types, some even hosting parasites of their own.
To combat these parasites, sunfish employ tactics like breaching, where they leap out of the water and crash back down, potentially to dislodge the parasites. They also allow smaller fish and birds to feed on the parasites.
Despite the existing knowledge about the ocean sunfish, it remains a species that requires further investigation. Cullis-Suzuki emphasizes the need for more research and understanding of this intriguing fish.
For more insights, viewers can watch “The Nature of Things 101” on CBC Gem and “The Nature of Things” YouTube channel.