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The mola mola, or ocean sunfish, is one of the most bizarre and fascinating fish in the ocean — and Komodo is one of the few places in Indonesia where you can encounter them while diving.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Best month | August (peak season) |
| Secondary months | July and September |
| Where | South Komodo sites — deep walls and thermocline zones |
| Depth | Usually 15–30 metres, near cold water thermoclines |
| Water temperature | 19–23°C (they follow cold upwellings from the deep ocean) |
| Encounter probability | Low to moderate during peak season (higher than Bali''s Nusa Penida) |
Mola mola are the heaviest bony fish in the world, reaching weights of up to 1,000 kg and lengths of 3 metres. They have a flattened, disc-like body, no tail fin, and an expression that looks permanently surprised. Despite their size, they are shy and can disappear quickly if startled.
Mola mola are deep-ocean fish that normally live at depths of 200 to 600 metres. They rise to shallower waters to visit cleaning stations where reef fish remove parasites from their skin. The cold water upwellings in south Komodo create conditions similar to their deep-water habitat, encouraging them to visit accessible depths.
Bali comparison: Nusa Penida near Bali is the more famous mola mola destination in Indonesia (July–October season), but Komodo offers similar encounters with far fewer divers competing for the experience.
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