Mola Mola in Galápagos: Ocean Sunfish Facts and Where to See It

Two sunfish species are thought to occur in Galápagos. The ocean sunfish, Mola mola, reaches 4.2 metres from fin tip to fin tip and about a tonne. The southern sunfish, Mola ramsayi, reaches 3.3 metres and looks so similar that its visits to the islands were only confirmed by genetic analysis in 2011.

• Tall rather than long. The body is a flat disc with a tall fin above and below, which is how size is measured: as height.
• Small food, in bulk. Despite their size they eat jellyfish, squid, crustaceans and small fish, and have to eat huge amounts to keep going.
• Basking. They are seen when they rise to bask at the surface, which gave them the name sunfish.

Sunfish live in tropical, subtropical and temperate seas around the globe and prefer water of at least 10 °C; colder water can leave them disoriented. Around Galápagos they are seen when they come up to bask. The guide sighting records place them at the cleaning station of Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela, on the cool western side of the archipelago.

Guide sighting records list sunfish at 1 site: Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela, rated Possible from July to November, at the cleaning station. The Galapagos Conservation Trust also names Punta Vicente Roca as the best area, while noting that sunfish can turn up elsewhere. Visits there include a panga ride along the cliffs and snorkelling.

Sunfish can turn up in any month, but only sporadically, when they surface to bask. The guide records rate Punta Vicente Roca Possible from July to November. In the next twelve months, 424 departures stop at the site in those months.

The ocean sunfish is listed as Vulnerable. Because of their size, adults have few predators, though orcas, sharks and sea lions have been known to take them. The main threat is fishing: sunfish are caught as bycatch around the world. There are no specific conservation measures for them, but inside the Galápagos Marine Reserve they are protected.

1. Counting on it. Sunfish appear sporadically; even in the best months the guide records rate the site only Possible.
2. Choosing a route without western Isabela. Punta Vicente Roca is the one site in the records.
3. Swimming at it. A calm approach keeps a basking sunfish at the surface; park rules ask for distance from all wildlife.