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The strangest fish in the sea spotted at Hampton's North Beach
Seacoastonline.com • • science
Key Points:
- The ocean sunfish (Mola mola), one of the largest bony fish species, was recently spotted off North Beach, known for its unique appearance including a large dorsal fin and lack of a typical tailfin.
- These fish feed primarily on comb jellies and jellyfish, using a mucus-like lining in their digestive system to protect themselves from stinging cells, and are often seen swimming on their side near shorelines during this time of year.
- Comb jellies, which are bioluminescent and distinct from jellyfish, serve as a key food source for ocean sunfish and have existed for over 500 million years, characterized by their sticky cells used to capture prey.
- Ocean sunfish can grow up to 5000 pounds and 14 feet in length but face threats from predators like sharks, whales, and marine mammals, as well as dangers from ingesting plastic debris mistaken for jellyfish.
- Despite these challenges, the ocean sunfish has remained largely unchanged for over 50 million years, demonstrating remarkable evolutionary success.
