Fish
Ocean sunfish
Mola molaConservation statusVulnerable
DietJellyfish and other soft animals without a backbone
LifespanNot measured in the wild
Size and weightUp to about 2,300 kg
A round, flat body with no real tail. It floats slowly near the surface.
Upright fins
What makes it specialLays up to 300 million eggs at once, more than any other animal with a backbone.
Surprising factIts strange shape makes people think it is hurt, but this is simply how the species is built.
PopulationFalling, mainly because fishing boats catch it by mistake.
Vicente Roca, in the cold water of the Cromwell Current