The ocean sunfish, known for its massive size of up to two tonnes and its infestation of parasites, including on its eyeballs, is explored by Sarika Cullis-Suzuki in a detailed examination on The Nature of Things 101. Cullis-Suzuki highlights the unique features of the Mola mola, an ocean sunfish species, showcasing its unusual circular body, lack of a tail, and enormous fins.
Despite their ability to travel long distances, diving hundreds of meters multiple times daily in search of food, these fish are plagued by parasites due to their slow movement, large surface area, and passage through various water zones. Cullis-Suzuki reveals that the Mola mola hosts a staggering 73 parasite species, some of which have parasites of their own.
To combat these parasites, the sunfish employs tactics such as breaching – leaping out of the water and crashing back down, possibly to dislodge parasites. Additionally, they allow smaller fish and birds to feed on the parasites infesting them. Despite our current knowledge, the ocean sunfish remains a species requiring further research and understanding.
Cullis-Suzuki emphasizes the ongoing need for more in-depth study of this intriguing species. Viewers can explore more about the ocean sunfish on The Nature of Things 101 on CBC Gem and the official The Nature of Things YouTube channel.