Alien-Like Ocean Sunfish Finds Internet Fame

By Kelli Bender Aug 1st 2012

This curious-looking creature may appear as slow as a snail and as big as the moon, but the Mola mola, aka ocean sunfish, is actually rather elusive and quick. According to GrindTV, underwater photographer Daniel Botelho took this up-close shot in 2010 during a blue-whale photo mission, but forgot about it until recently.


Once Botelho rediscovered the surprising snapshot in an old folder, he headed to the one place everyone goes when they have something to share: Facebook. The camera-loving Mola mola quickly became a social-network superstar, earning 1,000 likes in 36 hours. Now the photograph boasts over 2,000 shares and likes, and the number is still growing.

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While Mola molas are plentiful in California water and appear sluggish, the sea creatures are unexpectedly difficult to photograph. The fish is swift-moving, and usually doesn't tolerate humans coming too close. The Mola mola Botelho encountered was a little bit different.

"There were more than five in the same spot, but once I got in the water, as stealthily as I could, they all went out fast," Botelho explained to GrindTV in a email. "But one specific fish stopped to check what I was, and God knows why the fish decided to follow me. People in the boat said it seemed like a dog following his owner."

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It's a good thing this Mola mola was so loyal, because now the snapshot is offering underwater enthusiasts a better look at the fish. The ocean sunfish can reach up to 14 feet and 5,000 pounds. They are found in tropical and temperate waters feasting on jellyfish, squid and small fish. But what they are really known for is their alien-like look, a look that is gaining Botelho a lot of attention.

"It is so funny. I wasted that image, and after two years I found it, posted it and it becomes viral," Botelho told GrindTV.

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