The ocean sunfish, known for its massive size reaching up to two tonnes and being covered in parasites, is explored in a detailed analysis on the show “The Nature of Things 101” with Sarika Cullis-Suzuki as the host. Describing the Mola mola as a peculiar fish, Cullis-Suzuki highlights its unique features such as its round body, lack of a tail, and large fins. Through a life-size model demonstration, she showcases the underrated characteristics of this species, which is one of the largest fish in the ocean.
Despite their ability to travel long distances and dive deep to forage for food multiple times a day, ocean sunfish are susceptible to parasites due to their slow movement, large surface area, and passage through various water zones. Cullis-Suzuki reveals that these fish are plagued by parasites on their skin, gills, fins, eyeballs, mouth, and intestines, with a staggering 73 different parasite species identified on them. Some parasites even have their own parasites.
To combat these parasites, sunfish exhibit unique behavior such as breaching, where they jump out of the water and slam back down, possibly to dislodge the parasites. They also allow smaller fish and birds to feed on the parasites. Despite the existing knowledge about ocean sunfish, there is still much to uncover about this intriguing species, emphasizing the need for further research.
For more insights, viewers can watch “The Nature of Things 101” on CBC Gem and The Nature of Things YouTube channel.
