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Family Molidae

CIRCUMGLOBAL

Mola mola

Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia

Haleiwa, Oahu

OCEAN SUNFISH    Manbo

This is the heaviest bony fish on record at 4927 pounds, 10 feet long, and 14 feet tall.  Feeds upon benthic & planktonic invertebrates.  Spongy  fibrous flesh is eaten in some parts of Japan, although it is reputed to contain tetrodotoxin (fugu poison).  Subtropical and temperate seas worldwide.  This is the most common species, congregating in Monterey Bay in the fall.  Called the Ocean Sunfish because they may be encountered resting on their sides at the surface.  Scuba diving with the giant Mola is an annual event at Blue Season Bali.