Fraud Blocker Skip to main content

Ocean Sunfish Collection

The ocean sunfish, also known as Mola mola, is a fascinating creature that can be found in various locations around the world

Background imageOcean Sunfish Collection: Ocean sunfish (Mola mola) off Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. July

Ocean sunfish (Mola mola) off Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. July

Background imageOcean Sunfish Collection: Animalia Aqvatilia et Cochiliata (Aqva): Plate III, c. 1575/1580. Creator: Joris Hoefnagel

Animalia Aqvatilia et Cochiliata (Aqva): Plate III, c. 1575/1580. Creator: Joris Hoefnagel
Animalia Aqvatilia et Cochiliata (Aqva): Plate III, c. 1575/1580

Background imageOcean Sunfish Collection: Ocean sunfish (Mola mola) and Pilot fish (Naucrates sp). Tenerife, Canary Islands

Ocean sunfish (Mola mola) and Pilot fish (Naucrates sp). Tenerife, Canary Islands

Background imageOcean Sunfish Collection: Ocean sunfish (Mola mola) off Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. July

Ocean sunfish (Mola mola) off Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. July

Background imageOcean Sunfish Collection: Ocean sunfish (Mola mola) off Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. July

Ocean sunfish (Mola mola) off Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. July

Background imageOcean Sunfish Collection: Sunfish (Mola mola) basking at the surface on summers day. Penzance, Cornwall

Sunfish (Mola mola) basking at the surface on summers day. Penzance, Cornwall, England, British Isles, August. North East Atlantic Ocean

Background imageOcean Sunfish Collection: Ocean Sunfish, 1863-79 (colour litho)

Ocean Sunfish, 1863-79 (colour litho)
1001420 Ocean Sunfish, 1863-79 (colour litho) by Petraroja, Raimundo (fl.1863-79); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Atlante zoologico popolare)

Background imageOcean Sunfish Collection: Mold, 1833-39 (coloured engraving)

Mold, 1833-39 (coloured engraving)
999419 Mold, 1833-39 (coloured engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Dictionnaire pittoresque d histoire naturelle et des phenomAnes de la natureA, 1833-39)

Background imageOcean Sunfish Collection: Ocean Sunfish (colour litho)

Ocean Sunfish (colour litho)
998741 Ocean Sunfish (colour litho) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Bilder-Atlas zur wissenschaftlich-populAaren Naturgeschichte der Fische in ihren sAammtlichen)

Background imageOcean Sunfish Collection: Ocean sunfish, Mola mola. Vulnerable. (Sun fish, Tetrodon mola). Handcoloured copperplate drawn

Ocean sunfish, Mola mola. Vulnerable. (Sun fish, Tetrodon mola). Handcoloured copperplate drawn
FLO4614154 Ocean sunfish, Mola mola. Vulnerable. (Sun fish, Tetrodon mola). Handcoloured copperplate drawn and engraved by Edward Donovan from his Natural History of British Fishes, Donovan and F.C

Background imageOcean Sunfish Collection: Sunfish Above and Below

Sunfish Above and Below
Split level shot showing what is happening above and below the waterline as a sunfish swims on the waters surface with a diver in the background

Background imageOcean Sunfish Collection: Illustration of Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola)

Illustration of Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola)

Background imageOcean Sunfish Collection: Adult Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola) heaviest bony fish in the world, Nusa Penida, Bali

Adult Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola) heaviest bony fish in the world, Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia

Background imageOcean Sunfish Collection: Indonesia, Bali Province, Nusa Penida. Adult Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola)--the heaviest

Indonesia, Bali Province, Nusa Penida. Adult Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola)--the heaviest bony fish in the world

Background imageOcean Sunfish Collection: Oceanic Sun Fish (Moon Fish or Mola Mola) and Sardines. Azores, Portugal, Atlantic

Oceanic Sun Fish (Moon Fish or Mola Mola) and Sardines. Azores, Portugal, Atlantic
Stephen Wong / SplashdownDirect

Background imageOcean Sunfish Collection: Oceanic Sun Fish (Moon Fish or Mola Mola) and snorkeler. Azores, Portugal, Atlantic

Oceanic Sun Fish (Moon Fish or Mola Mola) and snorkeler. Azores, Portugal, Atlantic
Mola Mola or Oceanic Sunfish & snorkeler. Azores, Portugal

Background imageOcean Sunfish Collection: Oceanic Sun Fish (Moon Fish or Mola Mola). Azores, Portugal, Atlantic

Oceanic Sun Fish (Moon Fish or Mola Mola). Azores, Portugal, Atlantic
Stephen Wong / SplashdownDirect


All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

The ocean sunfish, also known as Mola mola, is a fascinating creature that can be found in various locations around the world. From Halifax, Nova Scotia to Tenerife in the Canary Islands, these enormous fish captivate both scientists and onlookers alike. In July off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, lucky observers were treated to the sight of an ocean sunfish gracefully swimming through the clear waters. Its impressive size and unique appearance make it hard to miss. This particular sighting was surely a memorable experience for those fortunate enough to witness it. Another encounter took place in Tenerife, where an ocean sunfish was accompanied by Pilot fish. These smaller fish often swim alongside larger marine creatures for protection and feeding opportunities. The symbiotic relationship between these species showcases nature's intricate web of connections. Basking at the surface on a sunny summer day near Penzance in Cornwall, one ocean sunfish seemed completely at ease with its surroundings. With its large dorsal fin protruding from the water's surface like a sail catching sunlight, this magnificent creature made quite an impression on anyone who happened upon it. Artists throughout history have been inspired by the beauty of these remarkable animals. A color lithograph from 1863-79 depicts an intricately detailed representation of an ocean sunfish while another colored engraving from 1833-39 showcases its unique features in stunning detail. Despite their awe-inspiring presence and artistic appeal, it can considered vulnerable due to various threats they face in their natural habitats. Edward Donovan's handcolored copperplate illustration from his Natural History of British Fishes serves as a reminder of their delicate status and highlights our responsibility to protect them for future generations. Whether observed above or below water surfaces or admired through illustrations and photographs, each encounter with an ocean sunfish offers us a glimpse into their mysterious world beneath the waves.