Marine fauna is represented by thousands of species globally and, as more is studied, the findings are surprising. Within this diversity we find the fish, which are divided into three large groups. One of these corresponds to the bony fish, which have a higher degree of calcified structures in their skeleton and, to a lesser extent, cartilage, hence their name. One species that is part of them is the commonly known sunfish, which has very peculiar features that make it unique in the oceans it inhabits.
Be sure to read this interesting article on our site so you can learn about all the characteristics of the sunfish, where it lives, what its customs and much more.
Taxonomic classification of sunfish
The sunfish is taxonomically classified as follows:
- Animal Kingdom
- Phylum: Chordates
- Class: Actinopterígios
- Order: Tetraodontiformes
- Family: Molidae
- Gender: Mola
- Species: Mola mola
Sunfish Species
The common name of this fish is associated with the rounded and flattened shape of its body. There are other species within this genus that, in general, are also called sunfish. Initially two had been identified, but later three were named for the genus Mola, which in addition to the one mentioned are:
- Mola alexandrini
- Mola tecta
Characteristics of sunfish
Let's get to know the aspects that characterize the sunfish:
- The sunfish is one of the largest bony fish in the world, which is undoubtedly one of the traits that make it very peculiar.
- An adult sunfish can measure about 3.1 meters in length and 4.26 meters in height. In relation to the weight, it is surprising, because it reaches up to 2.3 tons, which is the maximum weight reported.
- There is sexual dimorphism in the species, since females are larger than males.
- Another unique aspect of the sunfish is that it lacks scales, its skin is thick and has a rubbery texture, with irregular patches of denticles on the body. If you are curious about this characteristic of the sunfish, discover other fish without scales in this other article.
- Although it can vary in coloration, in general, it is light and dark gray tones, brown and white.
- As for the fins of the sunfish, they also have peculiar characteristics, since it lacks a fin and caudal peduncle. Instead, it has a fanned structure called a clavus, which represents a propulsion-ready tail.
- It has large dorsal and anal fins, while the pectoral fins are small.
- Its mouth is small and beak-shaped, which is because the teeth are closely fused together.
- This fish can swim at great speeds and does not represent any danger to humans.
Where do sunfish live?
The habitat of the sunfish is very varied because it is a cosmopolitan species. Inhabits all oceans both temperate and tropical, so it is in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific. Likewise, it is found in the Mediterranean Sea It prefers open water, however, in order to cleanse itself of certain parasites, it moves to areas of corals or with algae formations, where it establishes a beneficial relationship with fish from the wrasse group, who strip it of parasitic species.
It is common to see it when the water temperature is between 13 and 17 ºC, in places such as California, Indonesia, the British Isles, the North and South Islands of New Zealand, southern Africa and also in the Mediterranean.
It can operate in a range that goes from 30 to 480 meters deep, however, it is usually more common to be found between the 30 and 70 meters. Despite the sea currents, it is capable of moving both horizontally and vertically thanks to the use of its fins.
What do sunfish eat?
The sunfish is a carnivorous species that feeds on:
- some kinds of other fish
- animals that make up zooplankton, such as ctenophores and salps
- some jellyfish
- crustaceans
- mollusks
- brittle stars
- larvae
Despite the above, also includes algae in its diet.
The idea has been suggested that this fish makes migratory movements to latitudes where there is a higher concentration of zooplankton, mainly during spring and summer. It is also suspected that it moves towards the surface to capture animals that mainly develop in this area, such as some jellyfish and the smaller species on which it feeds.
How do sunfish reproduce?
Studies are needed to learn more about the reproductive biology of sunfish. However, one of the particular aspects of this species is its incredible difference in size from when it is born until it becomes an adult. A female can produce up to 300 million tiny eggs per reproductive season, which are usually 0.13 cm in diameter. From these, some larvae of 0.25 cm in length emerge, which go through two stages:
- In the first, they have a rounded shape and have spines that protrude from the body; in addition to having a developed tail and caudal fin.
- In the second, changes occur that include the absorption of the tail and the loss of the spines.
As we mentioned, more studies are needed on the reproduction of sunfish, however, estimates indicate that its development occurs rapidly, with an average of 0.02 at 0.42 kg of growth per day, and even in some cases more.
The females of the sunfish are considered the most fertile vertebrates that exist, due to the great oviposition they carry out. In captivity, their life expectancy is 8 years. Based on estimates, it is believed that in its natural habitat it lives between 20 and 23 years. Without a doubt, this is an amazing fact about sunfish that should make us think about how important it is to keep these animals, and all of them, in their natural habitat.
Conservation status of sunfish
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified sunfish in the vulnerable category, with adecreasing population trend This is not a fish of commercial importance, although in Japan and Taiwan there is a market for it, despite the fact that there are reports that it is a poisonous animal.
However, there is a high percentage of bycatch in various oceanic regions where various types of fishing are applied, such as trawling, drift gill nets and longlines, all of which are ways in which sunfish are caught. Estimates indicate that the global decline of the species is 30%.
Regarding the conservation plans for the species, so far, there are only reports that a law was established in Morocco to gradually eliminate the use of nets that accidentally trap this species. Further studies of its biology have also been recommended.
If you are concerned about the population decline of this species and other animals in danger of extinction, we recommend you consult this other article where we explain how to protect animals in danger of extinction.
