Ocean Sunfish - Mola mola

Ocean sunfish, also known as Mola mola, are one of the most unusual fish found in offshore waters around the Atlantic, including occasional sightings near the Canary Islands.

They are the largest bony fish in the world and are instantly recognisable due to their flattened, disc-like shape.

An article by Hannah Mackay, Local Scuba instructor with The Voice Fuerteventura

What they look like

Ocean sunfish have a large, round body with no obvious tail fin, giving them a unique “floating head” appearance in the water. Their skin is thick and rough, often covered in parasites which cleaner fish help remove.

They are typically grey or silvery in colour and can reach several metres in length.

Where they are found in Fuerteventura

Mola mola are pelagic species, meaning they live in open ocean waters rather than close to the seabed or reef.

Around Fuerteventura, they are rarely seen but may occasionally be encountered offshore in deeper waters, especially during calm sea conditions.

They often drift near the surface while basking or feeding.

Ocean sunfish basking near surface in Atlantic waters, Photo by Penny

Behaviour and feeding

Ocean sunfish are slow-moving and spend much of their time drifting with ocean currents. Despite their size, they feed mainly on jellyfish and other soft-bodied organisms.

They are known for basking near the surface, sometimes appearing to “float” on their side.

Reproduction and lifecycle

Female sunfish can produce millions of eggs at a time, making them one of the most prolific fish species in terms of reproduction.

The larvae are extremely small and undergo dramatic growth before reaching adult size.

In Fuerteventura waters

Ocean sunfish are not commonly seen but are part of the offshore pelagic ecosystem around the Canary Islands. Sightings are considered special encounters due to their rarity.

The ocean sunfish is part of the open ocean species group found beyond the coastal waters of Fuerteventura. These species are typically encountered during offshore excursions or deeper sea conditions.

For more marine species found in the region, see the Marine Life in Fuerteventura guide.