A sight that will be remembered!
To see a Mola Mola once in a lifetime is on every diver's bucket list. The unusual large fish looks like a relic from prehistoric times. He 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 place that promises a chance of a sighting. As soon as you see a Mola Mola, avoid hectic movements or loud noises so as not to chase away the shy big fish. Its flattened shape and peculiar fin position have earned the animal its English nickname Sunfish and the German nickname Mondfisch. There are four species in the genus Mola. Colloquially or out of ignorance, however, all four are referred to as Mola Mola. The youngest species was only described in 2017. There is still a lot to learn and the fascination that emanates from the unique animal is unbroken. When you see a Mola Molas you will feel that there are still miracles in this world that need to be experienced and protected.
Meet the largest bonefish in the world ...
Mola Mola Sunfish Sunfish Animal Photo Snorkeling and diving in the Galapagos National Park Ecuador
Excited, full of anticipation and with eager faces, our small group is sitting in the dinghy. We are anxiously searching the surface of the water. The mission: to see a Mola Mola. And only in snorkeling gear. Half of us made it into the neoprene, the rest are wearing swimwear and, if necessary, only a pair of underpants. It had to be done quickly. There! A mighty dorsal fin already cuts through the surface. The boat stops and we slide into the water as quickly and silently as possible. I stare into the blue and try to orient myself. Swim a little and finally return to the boat with nothing done. Perplexed faces. Only one of us could catch a glimpse of the rare bonefish. A good reason to try again right now. So we drive on, search, peek ... And then we're lucky. A sunfish dives straight to the surface. Another jump into the cool water and there it is: A Mola Mola - just a few meters in front of me. Unreal, plate-round and beautiful. Where's the front and back here? I look at the strange creature with wide eyes. I need a moment to empty my mind and adjust my gaze to this unusual being. Words like expansive, gentle and weightless take on a new meaning. Only the small ladder of the second dinghy in the background gives me an idea of how big this sunfish really is. A play of light on its shimmering white skin…. gentle fin strokes ... and a small lap of honor. Then he dives - back into the depths - and leaves us inspired and deeply impressed. "
Excited, full of anticipation and with eager faces, our small group is sitting in the dinghy. We are anxiously searching the surface of the water. The mission: to see a Mola Mola. And only in snorkeling gear. Half of us made it into the neoprene, the rest are wearing swimwear and, if necessary, only a pair of underpants. It had to be done quickly. There! A mighty dorsal fin already cuts through the surface. The boat stops and we slide into the water as quickly and silently as possible. I stare into the blue and try to orient myself. Swim a little and finally return to the boat with nothing done. Perplexed faces. Only one of us could catch a glimpse of the rare bonefish. A good reason to try again right now. So we drive on, search, peek ... And then we're lucky. A sunfish dives straight to the surface. Another jump into the cool water and there it is: A Mola Mola - just a few meters in front of me. Unreal, plate-round and beautiful. Where's the front and back here? I look at the strange creature with wide eyes. I need a moment to empty my mind and adjust my gaze to this unusual being. Words like expansive, gentle and weightless take on a new meaning. Only the small ladder of the second dinghy in the background gives me an idea of how big this sunfish really is. A play of light on its shimmering white skin…. gentle fin strokes ... and a small lap of honor. Then he dives - 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.
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- Sunfish Sunfish Mola Mola at Punta Vicente Roca, Galapagos Isabela Island
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
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