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Mola mola Sunfish Seeking Parasite Removal | South Africa

This is an ocean sunfish (Mola mola), around 1.5m in length, basking on the ocean surface near land. One hypothesis concerning why these fish engage in such behavior is that they seek the help of ocean-going birds to remove parasites. Sunfish are host to many species of parasites, including copepods and nematodes.

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Filename: mola-mola-ocean-surface-pest-removal-south-africa-201711-1933.tif
Copyright: Copyright Tony Wu. All rights reserved. No duplication, reproduction or usage without prior written permission.
Image Size: 7045x4697 / 94.9MB; https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license#rm; https://www.tony-wu.com/contact-tony-wu; Bony Fish Ocean Sunfish Animalia Chordata Osteichthyes Actinopterygii Tetraodontiformes Molidae Common mola Mola mola Vulnerable: IUCN Red List Atlantic Ocean South Africa
Contained in galleries: Marine Life | South Africa, Fish Photos, South Africa

This is an ocean sunfish (Mola mola), around 1.5m in length, basking on the ocean surface near land. One hypothesis concerning why these fish engage in such behavior is that they seek the help of ocean-going birds to remove parasites. Sunfish are host to many species of parasites, including copepods and nematodes.