Ocean Sunfish
Mola mola

Videographer Dennis Alba gets some nice footage of an Ocean Sunfish (also known as a "Mola") in the blue water 9 miles west of San Diego.

These truly strange-looking fish live in the open ocean, where they can often be found basking at the surface.  Growing to lengths of 10 feet tip-to-tip, they have a very small mouth suited only for soft prey such as salps and jellyfish.  Larger ones such as this are often unafraid, allowing divers and snorkelers to swim alongside.

Lens: 20mm
Film: Kodak E-100 VS
Location: Nine Mile Bank, CA
©1999 Garry McCarthy