The ocean sunfish, a creature weighing up to two tonnes and covered in parasites, is explored in a detailed manner by host Sarika Cullis-Suzuki in The Nature of Things 101. Cullis-Suzuki highlights the unique features of the Mola mola, an ocean sunfish species, emphasizing its unconventional appearance with a large circular body, absence of a tail, and massive fins.
Through a life-size model demonstration, Cullis-Suzuki showcases the remarkable traits of the Mola mola, shedding light on its underrated status as one of the largest fish in the ocean. These fish exhibit a fascinating behavior of traveling long distances, diving hundreds of meters deep multiple times a day in search of food. However, due to their slow movement, large surface area, and traversing different water zones, they become susceptible to parasites.
Cullis-Suzuki reveals the extensive presence of parasites on the Mola mola, including on the skin, gills, fins, eyeballs, mouth, and intestines, with scientists identifying 73 different parasite species on these ocean sunfish. The fish employ various methods to rid themselves of parasites, such as breaching out of the water and allowing smaller fish and birds to feed on the parasites.
Despite the existing knowledge about ocean sunfish, Cullis-Suzuki emphasizes the need for further research on this intriguing species, stating that there is much more to discover. Viewers can explore The Nature of Things 101 on CBC Gem and The Nature of Things YouTube channel for more insights into these fascinating creatures.
