Local common name:
Scientific name:
Family:
TL:
Width[excl fins]:
Wgt:
Water:
Depth:
Habitat:
Food value
:
Local water:
Identifications:
Records:
Remarks:
Mola mola
Molidae [Molas]
Approx 1.5 m [max to 3.33 m]
[max to 2,000 kg]
Marine
0 - 300 m
Often drifts on the surface while lying on it's side or swims close to the surface, upright with it's dorsal fin projects above the water. Feeds on fishes, zooplankton, jellyfish, crustaceans & brittle stars.
Minor commercial fisheries. Generally not eaten as it may contain the same toxin as in pufferfish but some considered it a delicacy.
No, very unlikely. Mostly in deeper ocean. Nearest, may be found far off Malaysia & Indonesia.
Scaleless body with extremely thick, elastic skin. No caudal fin as it's replaced by a rudder-like structure called 'clavus'. Very high dorsal & anal fins with short base. Pectoral fin, small & round, directed upwards. Dorsal spines:0, rays:15-18; Anal spines:0, rays:14-17. There are altogether 4 species of molas but this species seem to be more commonly known.
Recorded as the HEAVIEST bony fish in the world.
This particular huge fish was injured & washed ashore on 4th of April 2003, on 'Daytona beach, Florida, USA'
Photos courtesy of 'Brenda Gammage of USA'
