Ocean sunfish
Mola mola
Sighting evidence at Crystal Bay Nusa Penida, Bali
Photo: Randy Puckett · CC BY-NC
The ocean sunfish is the heaviest bony fish on earth, reaching 2.3 m and over 2000 kg. At Crystal Bay individuals ascend from deep water to reef-cleaning stations between 15 and 30 m depth, hovering beside the wall while bannerfish pick parasites from their skin. This behaviour is driven by cold thermoclines rising from the Lombok Strait and runs August through October. A single sunfish per dive is the norm; days with 3 or more have made Crystal Bay one of the most sought-after seasonal dives on earth.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Ocean sunfish is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.