Ocean sunfish (Mola mola)

Scientific name: Mola mola Linnaeus, 1758

The Ocean sunfish (Mola mola) is a marine fish of the family Molidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 12–25°C (54–77°F).

Ocean sunfish care at a glance

Temperature: 12–25°C (54–77°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-18; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 14 - 17. The scaleless body is covered with extremely thick, elastic skin. The caudal fin is replaced by a rudder-like structure called 'clavus'. Dorsal and anal fins very high with short base; in swimming, these fins are flapped synchronously from side to side and can propel the fish at surprisingly good speed. Pectorals small and rounded, directed upward. Mouth very small; teeth fused to form a parrot-like beak. Gills 4, a slit behind the last; gill openings reduced to a small hole at the base of the pectoral fins. Gas bladder absent in adults.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Mola mola
Family: Molidae (Molas or Ocean Sunfishes)
Order: Tetraodontiformes (Puffers and Filefishes)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 333
Depth range: 30–480 m (98–1575 ft)
Environment: Marine; pelagic-oceanic; oceanodromous; depth range 30 - 480 m
Climate: Subtropical
Distribution: Warm and temperate zones of all oceans. Eastern Pacific: British Columbia, Canada to Peru and Chile. Western Pacific: Japan to Australia. Eastern Atlantic: Scandinavia to South Africa (occasionally western Baltic, Mediterranean). Western Atlantic: Newfoundland, Canada to Argentina.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Poisonous to eat
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tmax = 8 (in captivity); Fec=300 million)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026