Captured on Camera
Santa Cruz resident Eric Mendelson captured remarkable photos of the sunfish from a nearby bluff.
Source: Per-Ola Norman/Wikimedia Commons
One photo shows a dorsal fin resembling that of a shark, while another reveals the creature’s unique head and large eye. These images quickly garnered attention on social media, surprising many locals.
What is a Sunfish?
Sunfish, particularly the Mola mola species, are the heaviest bony fish in the world. They can weigh over 6,000 pounds and grow longer than 10 feet.
Source: Fred Hsu/Wikimedia Commons
Their distinctive appearance includes oversized heads and flat bodies, often described as looking like a child’s drawing of a fish come to life.
Expert Insights
Marine biologist Tierney Thys, a research associate at the California Academy of Sciences, identified the creature in Mendelson’s photos.
Source: Francesco Ungaro/Pexels
She noted its impressive size and confirmed it as a Mola mola, the most common sunfish species in the area. Thys, known affectionately as “Mrs. Sunfish,” has extensive knowledge of these fascinating creatures.
Common Visitors to Santa Cruz
While this sighting was a first for Mendelson, Thys explained that Mola mola are actually common in the Santa Cruz area.
Source: CAL FIRE CZU San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit/Facebook
Increased sightings may be linked to the phasing out of California’s drift gill net fishery, which previously ensnared many sunfish as bycatch. This change has likely allowed more sunfish to thrive.
Role in the Ecosystem
Sunfish play a crucial role in the ocean food web. As they grow larger, they primarily forage for jellyfish, helping to keep the jellyfish population in check.
Source: Llywelyn2000/Wikimedia Commons
Their presence is vital for maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems, particularly in nutrient-rich areas like Monterey Bay.
No Need for Alarm
Despite their large size and unusual appearance, Mola mola are docile creatures. Surfers at Cowell Beach had no reason to worry, as these gentle giants pose no threat to humans.
Source: Freepik
Their diet consists mainly of jellyfish, making them harmless to people enjoying the waves.
Peak Viewing Times
If you’re eager to spot a Mola mola, the prime time is between October and November, according to Thys.
Source: Bobbi Wu/Unsplash
During these months, sunfish are most frequently seen off the California coast. Monterey Bay, with its nutrient upwelling and submarine canyon, is a prime location for observing these fascinating creatures.
A Thriving Marine Sanctuary
Cowell Beach is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a hotspot for marine biodiversity.
Source: Yannis Papanastasopulos/Unsplash
This protected area supports a wide range of marine life, from playful otters to majestic sunfish. The sanctuary’s rich ecosystem is a treasure for both scientists and nature enthusiasts.
Community Reactions
Mendelson’s photos sparked a wave of excitement on social media, with many expressing awe at the size and uniqueness of the sunfish.
Source: Wikimedia
For longtime residents and newcomers alike, the sighting was a reminder of the diverse and surprising marine life just off their shores.
Quotes from the Expert
Thys emphasizes the importance of the Mola mola in the ocean ecosystem, stating, “Ocean sunfish play a vital role in the ocean food web, particularly when they get over one meter in length.”
Source: Emiliano Arano/Pexels
Her insights highlight the significance of these creatures beyond their unusual appearance.
Appreciating Ocean Giants
As Thys eloquently put it, “How lucky are we here in Monterey Bay to be able to jump on a surfboard, a paddle board, or a kayak… and enter this teeming world of mysterious giants?”
Source: Hung Tran/Pexels
The presence of the Mola mola is a prime example of the rich marine life that thrives in these waters, offering endless opportunities for discovery.
