Molidae

Mola-mola-Lisboa-20051020

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Skeleton of the sun fish, 1857

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Portugal-Lisboa-Oceanário de Lisboa -P1170757 (25260836764)

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Mola alexandrini (Bump-head Mola)

Mola tecta

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Masturus lanceolatus

Molidae, commonly known as the ocean sunfishes, are a family of marine fish in the order Tetraodontiformes. This family includes the largest bony fish in the world, the ocean sunfish (Mola mola), which can reach a significant size and weight. Members of the Molidae family are known for their unique shape, with a flattened body and a very reduced tail, making them distinct from most other fish species.

Description

Molidae species are characterized by their large size, peculiar body shape, and the absence of a true caudal fin. Instead, their dorsal and anal fins are elongated, which they flap back and forth to propel themselves through the water. Their bodies are flattened laterally, giving them a disc-like appearance. The skin of Molidae is thick and leathery, often with rough textures or denticles. They have small mouths and their teeth are fused into a beak-like structure, which limits their diet to mostly soft-bodied zooplankton, jellyfish, and small fish.

Distribution and Habitat

Molidae are found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide. They are pelagic, spending most of their time in the open ocean, although they are occasionally seen near the surface or in coastal waters. These fish are known to bask at the ocean's surface, lying on their side to warm up in the sun, which is thought to help them regulate their body temperature after deep, cold water dives in search of food.

Reproduction

Little is known about the reproduction of Molidae. They are believed to be oviparous, with females releasing millions of eggs into the water, which are then fertilized externally. The larvae are small and planktonic, undergoing several dramatic transformations before reaching their adult form.

Conservation

The conservation status of Molidae species varies. The ocean sunfish (Mola mola) is considered to be of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but other species in the family face threats from bycatch in fisheries, pollution, and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are focused on reducing bycatch and understanding more about their biology and ecology to inform management decisions.

In Culture

Molidae, especially the ocean sunfish, have captured public imagination due to their unusual appearance and behaviors. They are popular in public aquariums and have been featured in various documentaries and media as examples of the ocean's diversity and wonder.

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