Here Comes the (Sun)fish: November 17, 2019

 

Scientists saw this ocean sunfish (Mola mola) while exploring Pourtalés Terrace during Dive 10 of the 2019 Southeastern U.S. Deep-sea Exploration. Found in all major ocean basins, ocean sunfish are the largest of all bony fish, capable of reaching a whopping 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds)! Resembling a head with fins, this curious-looking fish got its common name because sometimes they lay flat on the surface of the ocean in order to be warmed by the sun.

 

Download SD version (mp4, 13.2 MB).

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Video courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2019 Southeastern U.S. Deep-sea Exploration.

 


 

For More Information

Dive 10: Pourtalés Terrace