A sight that will be remembered!
Seeing a Mola Mola once in a lifetime is on every diver's bucket list. This unusual giant fish seems like a relic from prehistoric times. It is a symbol of the unknown, the mysterious deep sea, and the vastness of the oceans. To see this special fish, you first need a good dose of luck and a location that promises a good chance of spotting it. As soon as you spot a Mola Mola, avoid sudden movements or loud noises to avoid scaring away the shy giant.
Its flattened shape and the peculiar position of its fins have earned the animal its English nickname, "sunfish," and its German nickname, "mondfisch." There are four species in the genus Mola. However, colloquially or out of ignorance, all four are referred to as "Mola mola." The youngest species was only described in 2017. There is still much to learn, and the fascination with this unique animal remains undiminished. When you see a Mola mola, you will realize that there are still wonders in this world that deserve to be experienced and protected.
Meet the largest bonefish in the world ...
See a Mola Mola once in a lifetime
Excited, full of anticipation, and with eager faces, our small group sits in the dinghy. We eagerly scan the water's surface. Our mission: to spot a Mola Mola. And we're only wearing snorkeling gear. Half of us managed to get into our wetsuits, the rest were in swimwear and, if necessary, just underwear. We had to move quickly. There! A powerful dorsal fin pierced the surface.
The boat stops and we glide into the water as quickly and silently as possible. I stare into the blue, trying to get my bearings. I swim a bit and finally return to the boat empty-handed. Puzzled faces. Only one of us managed to catch a brief glimpse of the rare bony fish. A good reason to try again. So we continue, searching, spying... And then we get lucky. A sunfish dives straight to the surface. Another dip into the cool water and there it is: a mola mola – just a few meters in front of me. Unreal, perfectly round and beautiful. Where is the front and back?
I gaze at the strange creature with wide eyes. I need a moment to clear my mind and adjust my gaze to this unusual being. Words like expansive, gentle, and weightless take on new meaning. Only the small ladder of the second dinghy in the background gives me an idea of how large this sunfish really is. A play of light on its shimmering white skin... gentle fin strokes... and a short lap of honor. Then it dives down – back into the depths – and leaves us inspired and deeply impressed.
Wildlife Viewing • Diving and Snorkeling • See Mola Mola
A Mola Mola in the Galapagos
Punta Vincente Roca in Galapagos National Park is a well known dive site for Mola Mola. The deep waters and the Humboldt Current provide the big fish with a good livelihood. This place belongs to the uninhabited Back of Isabela and is located on the northern tip of the Galapagos Island in the immediate vicinity of the equator line. Punta Vincente Roca is known as a cleaning station for Mola Molas. Here the large bony fish close to the surface can be cleaned by cleaner fish. On a good day there is even a chance for snorkelers to see the moonfish or sunfish.
You can reach Punta Vincente Roca with one diving Safari or on one Cruise in Galapagos. On the north-west route of Motor glider Samba you have a good chance of spotting Mola Molas from on board. In very good conditions, you can even snorkel with a sunfish from an inflatable boat.
Wildlife Viewing • Diving and Snorkeling • See Mola Mola
Experience wild animals up close: The Big five • Lion • Elephant • Leopard • rhino • buffalo ••• such as • Giraffe • Zebra • Monkey • Flamingo • wild dog • Crocodile • Turtle • iguana • chameleon • sea turtle • Orca • Humpback Whale • blue whale • Dolphin • Mola Mola • Whale Shark • Sea Lion • seal • elephant seal • manatee • Penguin and many more animal photos
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We were lucky enough to see a Mola Mola. Please keep in mind that no one can guarantee a sighting. This is a natural habitat. Should you not see any animals at the locations mentioned or have experiences other than those described here, we assume no liability. The content of this article has been carefully researched. However, we assume no liability for any misleading or inaccurate information. Furthermore, circumstances may change. AGE™ does not guarantee the accuracy of the information.
Lang Hannah (November 09.11.2017th, 2), New species of sunfish weighing up to 01.11.2021 tons discovered. [online] Retrieved on November XNUMX, XNUMX, from URL: https://www.nationalgeographic.de/tiere/2017/07/neue-art-des-bis-zu-2-tonnen-schweren-mondfischs-entdeckt